Problems deleting temporary files Windows 11

Question

I have previously reported this issue. I'm having trouble deleting temporary files in Windows 11. After updating to 24H2, the storage sense is not working correctly. It consistently deletes only 1MB each time it runs. Temporary files show 1.20 GB under Settings > System > Storage > Temporary files. I check all options and select delete. Temporary files are then reduced to 1.05 GB. I then try manually: Win+R (run) %temp% and delete all files. Next, Win+R (run) temp and delete all files. Temporary files are then reduced to 1.05 GB. Following your previous advice, I have tried starting the PC in safe mode, running disk cleanup, and using the CCleaner program. No more temporary files are deleted, but they still show 1.05 GB. The problem started a few minutes before the 24H2 update was available and has persisted. Previously, the size of temporary files was around 150 MB. I hope for feedback!

Answer 1

Hello Trond Gunnar Raa,

Thank you for posting in Q&A forum.

If your temporary files are still consistently at 1.05 GB even after performing the usual cleanup steps, it might be due to specific system or application processes that are continuously generating these files. Here are a few additional steps you can take to investigate :

1.Check for Large Log Files

Sometimes, large log files can accumulate in the temporary files directory: Navigate to C:\Windows\Temp and C:\Users<YourUsername>\AppData\Local\Temp.

2.Disable Hibernation

Hibernation can create large system files: Open Command Prompt as an administrator. Type powercfg -h off and press Enter to disable hibernation.

3.Clear Windows Update Cache

Windows Update cache can sometimes take up significant space: Open Command Prompt as an administrator. net stop wuauserv net stop bits Navigate to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution and delete its contents. Restart the services: net start wuauserv net start bits

4. Check for Malware

Malware can sometimes generate large temporary files: Run a full system scan using Windows Defender or another reputable antivirus program.

I hope the information above is helpful.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to let us know.

Best Regards,

Daisy Zhou

============================================

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Answer 2

I've followed your instructions exactly. 1) I've cleared both C:\Windows\Temp and C:\Users<YourUsername>\AppData\Local\Temp (which is the same as %temp%). 2) I've disabled hibernation. 3) I've deleted all contents from the SoftwareDistribution folder. 4) I've run both Windows Defender and Malwarebytes. Despite these steps, the temporary files folder still shows 1.05 GB of data. The problem persists

Answer 3

I've followed your instructions exactly. 1) I've cleared both C:\Windows\Temp and C:\Users<YourUsername>\AppData\Local\Temp (which is the same as %temp%). 2) I've disabled hibernation. 3) I've deleted all contents from the SoftwareDistribution folder. 4) I've run both Windows Defender and Malwarebytes. Despite these steps, the temporary files folder still shows 1.05 GB of data. The problem persists

Answer 4

It could just be a reporting problem. I would suggest that you use a free tool like Treesize Free or Windirstat and have it analyze your C: drive to see what folders are using up the most space. If you are running low on disk space, and that is the real problem that you are trying to fix, then these tools will show you everything. You might have a folder that is consuming a lot of space but is not considered a "temp" folder.

https://www.jam-software.com/treesize_free#different-versions-for-different-requirements

https://windirstat.net/

Answer 5

Hi ,

Please try some other methods which worked for many users.

2. Clean the system updates cache

Run Command Prompt as an administrator ("Win" logo key + "Q", type "cmd", select "Run as administrator"), and type the following commands one by one.

net stop wuauserv & net stop bits & net stop cryptsvc

rd /s /q c:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution

net start wuauserv & net start bits & net start cryptsvc

sc config wuauserv start=auto

sc config bits start=auto

sc config cryptsvc start=auto

3. Clear the Microsoft Store cache

"Win" logo key + "R" to open "Run", type "wsreset.exe", and press Enter (this will open a blank "Command Prompt" window, which will close and automatically open the Microsoft Store after about 10 seconds).