Is it okay to delete prefetch files to save storage? Will it make my PC/Laptop Slower permanently?

Question

A lot of people say that deleting prefetch files will slow down your PC, but others say that they will eventually return and the PC/Laptop will be back to running fast.

Answer 1

Hello there, this is Emily.

Deleting the prefetch files will not slow down your PC/laptop permanently, but it may slightly slow down the launch time of some frequently used programs until new prefetch files are created for those programs. The operating system will eventually regenerate these prefetch files as you use your computer.

Nomally these files won't save much storage though as they are generally not that big.

Have you tried using the Disk Cleanup app to clean up instead? After you launch that app, you can also click on "Clean up system files" button to view more deletable options.

Answer 2

I understand thank you!