How to Effectively Clear the Windows 11 File Explorer Cache- A Comprehensive Guide
How to Clear the Windows File Explorer Cache Windows 11
Are you experiencing slow performance or outdated file information in Windows 11? One of the common reasons for these issues could be the cached data stored by the Windows File Explorer. Clearing the cache can help improve the performance and accuracy of your file explorer. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to clear the Windows File Explorer cache on Windows 11.
Why Clear the Windows File Explorer Cache?
The Windows File Explorer cache is designed to store frequently accessed files and folders, allowing for faster access and improved performance. However, over time, this cache can become outdated or corrupted, leading to slow performance and inaccurate file information. Clearing the cache can help resolve these issues and ensure that your file explorer operates efficiently.
Steps to Clear the Windows File Explorer Cache on Windows 11
1.
Open the File Explorer
– Press the Windows key + E to open the File Explorer.
2.
Open the Local Disk (C:)
– In the File Explorer, navigate to the Local Disk (C:) drive.
3.
Open the Cache Folder
– Right-click on the Local Disk (C:) drive and select “Properties.”
– Go to the “Location” tab and click on “Open File Location.”
4.
Locate the Cache Folder
– In the new File Explorer window, navigate to the following path:
“`
C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer
“`
– Replace “YourUsername” with your actual username.
5.
Clear the Cache
– Delete all the files and folders in the “Explorer” folder.
– You may encounter a prompt asking for confirmation. Click “Yes” to proceed.
6.
Restart the File Explorer
– Close the File Explorer window.
– Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
– Type “taskkill /IM explorer.exe /F” and press Enter.
– Press the Windows key + E to restart the File Explorer.
Alternative Method: Using PowerShell
If you prefer using PowerShell, follow these steps to clear the Windows File Explorer cache:
1.
Open PowerShell
– Press the Windows key + X and select “Windows PowerShell (Admin)” from the list.
2.
Execute the PowerShell Command
– In the PowerShell window, type the following command and press Enter:
“`
Clear-ItemProperty -Path “HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer” -Name “Shellbags” -Value “”
“`
– This command will clear the Shellbags key, which is responsible for caching file explorer data.
3.
Restart the File Explorer
– Close the PowerShell window.
– Press the Windows key + E to restart the File Explorer.
By following these steps, you should be able to clear the Windows File Explorer cache on Windows 11 and improve the performance and accuracy of your file explorer.
