How to Fix Windows 10 Temporary Files not Deleting?

Temporary files (or Temp files, for short) are frequently created on your computer by the Windows operating system and software installed on it. These files have their advantages, but they also have the potential to damage your computer in the long run.

Temporary files can quickly fill up storage space on your computer's hard disc, occasionally exceeding a few gigabytes. Delete them to free up storage space and, as a result, improve the performance of your PC.

It's as simple as going to Settings > System > Storage > Temporarily Files to delete temporary files. This will scan your device for unnecessary temporary files that can be deleted to free up space on your computer. Despite how simple this appears to be, some customers complain that temporary files stay on their PC after they have been deleted through the Windows Settings menu.

This problem can be resolved by updating your PC's operating system. It's probable that the bug has anything to do with the OS build's version. If Windows 10/11 temporary files will not delete via the Settings menu, try the techniques listed below to get them from your computer.

1. Use Disk Cleanup

Disk Cleanup is a disc maintenance tool included with the Windows operating system that allows users to delete unnecessary system files from their computer's hard drive. Of course, unlike other programs, it will not appear on the desktop.

If the Windows Settings menu refuses to erase temporary files, you can use the Windows Disk Cleanup utility to analyze and delete them.

Step 1: Start the Windows Run box by pressing the Windows key + R, then typing control into the Open dialogue box and clicking OK.

Step 2: In the box, type Control Panel and hit the OK button.

Step 3: Find and select 'System and Security from the Control Panel window's options.

Step 4: A new window will pop up after you click on Administrative tools.

Step 5: Double-click the Disk Cleanup option, then select "Clean up system files" when it appears.

Step 6: It takes some time for the disc cleanup to analyze all of your files and then categorize them. Mark the files you want to delete with a check and then click OK.

Step 7: When the prompt displays, click Delete Files to confirm your choice and continue with the cleanup.

2. Use Command Prompt to Delete the Temporary Files

It is true that if you are unable to delete a file on Windows using the standard click and delete approach, you can always use the Command Prompt. The majority of problems stating that the file is in use or that the file cannot be deleted due to a system fault can be resolved by using command prompt.

Step 1: Drag your cursor over the Command Prompt app from the result of typing Command Prompt in the taskbar search box. Then, to start the Command Prompt in elevated mode, select Run As Administrator.

Step 2: Type the following command in the Command Prompt window and press Enter.

del /q /f /s %temp%\* && del /s /q C:\Windows\temp\*

Step 3: You'll notice the difference between a clean and smooth-running computer when you restart it.

3. Using the Run Box, Delete the Temporary Files.

If you don't want to utilize the Command Prompt, you can use the RUN box to delete all the transient files manually.

Step 1: To launch the Run dialogue box, press Windows + R.

Step 2: In the Run box, type "TEMP" in the text box. On your PC, this will open a folder.

Step 3: To select all files and folders, press CTRL + A on your computer, then hold down the SHIFT key while pressing the DELETE key. All of the temp files in the folder will be permanently deleted.

Step 4: Return to the Run dialogue box and type "% TEMP % ", then press OK.

Step 5: Repeat Step 3 on this folder, deleting all of the files and folders in the process. This removes all temporary files from your computer.

Conclusion

Although the methods listed above will clear temporary files from your computer if the Windows Settings menu fails, you should use method 1 (Disk Cleanup). That's because you may pick and choose which temporary files to erase. Method 2 (the Command Prompt option) gives you no control over which files to remove because all temporary files are deleted from your PC when you run the command line.