You have heard of temporary files from your tech geek friends, but do you know what these are? Do you know how to get rid of them? Do you know whether erasing temporary files is safe or not? How to delete the temporary files from a laptop? We have got your back. We will answer all of your questions in this article. Keep reading!
Deleting temporary files is one of the ways to free up some space in Windows 10, 8, 7, XP, and Mac. These files are also referred to as temp files. These files are the only ones used once to run an operation by the system. They are useless and take the space that can be utilized for some other files, programs, or applications.
Temporary files are located in the Windows Temp Folder. The location is different in different systems. Cleaning the temp folder manually usually takes less than a minute. However, if there are a large number of files, then it can take longer.
Why my laptop has temporary files?
The system tends to make the temporary files automatically. These files are stored in temporary data storage. They are usually created by a few programs that you have used. They are easy to spot, as they have .tmp or .temp extension.
Moreover, if you have ever used the ISO or RAR files, the system extracts files in the temporary folder of your laptop. This file contains information that is used only once.
These files come with a particular program and help the program to run smoothly. Your work on these programs is also saved on these files. Also, you will be surprised to know that these files create backup and protect the position if the system crashes or shuts downs without any notification.
When do we need to clear temporary files from the laptop?
There is no written rule about the time you should delete these files. However, if your laptop is slowing down or there is any hindrance to smooth working, you must get rid of these apps.
Delete these files once they are not being used by the programs anymore. You can erase temporary files from your laptop as often as you like.
Sometimes these files are erased from the system once the program is done using them. However, it is not the case every time. Some files are always left behind, and you should get rid of them as soon as possible. If they stay for a long time, they start to affect the performance of your laptop.
How to delete the temporary files from a laptop? (Windows)
The following steps with help you delete temporary Windows files. Let’s start.
Step #1
Go to the Start icon on your laptop and select the Cortana Search field. (Windows 10)
Right-click on the Start icon and click Run. (Windows 8.1)
Another shortcut to find the Run dialog box is to press WIN+R from the keyboard.
Step #2
Run windows will appear on your screen. Type the command %temp% in that box. This command will open the folder containing all of the temporary files instantly.
Step #3
Select all of the files that are visible in the Temp folder. These are the files that you want to delete from the laptop.
You can also press Ctrl+A from the keyboard to select all Temp files in the folder.
Bonus Tip: You do not have to worry about deleting the file still in use. Windows will not let you erase the files and folders that programs are still using.
Step #4
Once you select the files, delete them either Delete Key from the keyboard or the delete button on the Home menu.
Step #5
Windows will show you a warning dialog box for the files still in use. Click Skip. It is the way of windows to tell you that certain apps are still in use by a particular program and locked. Skipping it will not stop deleting files that are not in use.
Once all of the files are deleted, the dialog box will disappear, and you will see the empty Temp Folder or just a few remaining files that are locked. Lose the window.
Step #6
Finally, go to the Recycle Bin on your desktop. Right-click on the icon and select Empty Recycle Bin.
Bonus Tip: Next time you delete the temporary files from your laptop, remember to hold the Shift key as you delete the files. This action will permanently delete the files, and you will not have to empty recycle bin at the end.
How to delete the temporary files from a laptop? (Mac)
The following steps will help you delete the temporary files manually.
Step #1:
Deleting Temp Files in Applications
- Go to the Finder and click the Go menu.
- Now open the Library from the menu.
- Locate the Cache in the menu.
- You can see the temporary files that are being installed on Mac.
- Select the files and Move them to the Trash.
Step #2: Deleting Temp Files from Browser
- Open the browser “Safari.”
- Choose the Preferences from the browser.
- Click on the Privacy tab.
- Select the option named Remove all the Website Data and click Remove Now.
- This action will delete temp files from safari.
Step #3: Deleting Temp Files from the System
The programs and applications store temp files on the system. You can delete them using third-party software. Because most files are not erased automatically, you have to delete them manually. There are a lot of safe apps available online that will complete the job without harming the system. Restart the system, and you are good to go!
Final Words – Deleting temp files from a laptop.
Now you have a clear idea of how to delete the Temp File from your Windows Laptop and MacBook. We have tried our best to compile a detailed guide to help you with this process. Deleting these apps has unique benefits, and it also enhances the system’s performance. You can also take help from third-party software to clean temp files from your system. However, we recommend doing the job manually as it is safer.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How to delete browser temp files in windows?
To erase the temp files and cookies from Internet Explorer, go to the Tools followed by Internet Options and select Delete right below the browsing history. In Chrome, go to the More followed by the More Tools and select Clear browsing data.
Why the laptop does not let you delete temp files?
If by any means the windows are restricting you from deleting the temp files, there is a reason behind it. One that these files may be in use by some programs and it helps in the smooth running of it. The second is that these files are locked. You can take help from a third-party tool to complete the job.
Why some temp files are so prominent?
Over time, large temporary files accumulate in your account. Different applications frequently generate these temporary files that do not have the courtesy to clean up after themselves. Temporary files like this can take up a lot of space in your profile.
Why do temp files take up so much space on the system?
Most temporary files created by your system are automatically deleted or expelled, but others can accumulate. When you store too many temporary files, you begin to run out of disc space and may notice that your computer is running slower than usual.