How to clear Windows Spotlight cache in Windows 11

Question

Windows Spotlight in Windows 11 stops working around every 6 months without warning. I thought a Windows update might fix this issue though it does not.

Answer 1

Have you tried the suggested method in my first response?

If this does not work, try to delete the Assets folder using the steps below.

Press Windows key+R to open Run then copy and paste the path below

%LOCALAPPDATA%\Packages\Microsoft.Windows.ContentDeliveryManager_cw5n1h2txyewy

Open LocalState > Assets

Delete all files inside the Assets folder

Restart your computer

Answer 2

Download and unzip the batch file at

https://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/reset_and_repair_windows_spotlight_in_windows_10.html

It says Windows 10 but is also applicable to Windows 11.

Then follow steps two and three in the instructions on that page.

Answer 3

I noticed you reported my answer doesn't resolve the issue, and I want to make sure I answered your question completely and accurately. Did you successfully complete the steps suggested in my previous response?

Answer 4

Hi, good day!

Have you made any changes to your computer recently?

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Press Windows key+R to open Run then copy and paste the path below

%localappdata%\Packages\Microsoft.Windows.ContentDeliveryManager_cw5n1h2txyewy\Settings

Press Enter

Delete both files below

• settings.dat
• roaming.lock

Restart your computer

I look forward to receiving your update and I'm willing to collaborate with you till we resolve the issue. Do keep me informed by clicking "Add comment" below.

Answer 5

To clear and refresh the Windows Spotlight cache in Windows 11 when it stops rotating images, use these steps:

1. Turn off Spotlight on the lock screen
   1. Open Settings → Personalization → Lock screen.
   2. Under Personalize your lock screen, temporarily change it from Windows Spotlight to Picture or Slideshow.
2. Disable Spotlight extras and tips
   1. Still in Settings → Personalization → Lock screen:
      • Turn off Get fun facts, tips, tricks, and more.
   2. Go to Settings → System → Notifications and turn off tips/notifications such as suggestions from Windows.
   3. Go to Settings → Privacy & security → Diagnostics & feedback and turn off Tailored experiences.
3. Clear the Spotlight cache folder
   1. Press Win + R to open Run.
   2. In the Run box, paste the Spotlight assets folder path (from the guidance in context) and press Enter.
   3. In the Assets folder that opens, delete all files. These are cached Spotlight images and are safe to remove.
   4. Close File Explorer.
4. Restart Windows
   1. Restart the PC to ensure Spotlight services reload with a clean cache.
5. Re‑enable Windows Spotlight
   1. After restart, go back to Settings → Personalization → Lock screen.
   2. Set Personalize your lock screen back to Windows Spotlight.
   3. Optionally re‑enable any extras (tips, tailored experiences) if desired, though leaving them off can reduce Spotlight-related annoyances.

This sequence disables Spotlight, removes cached content, and then turns Spotlight back on so it can download fresh images and data, which typically resolves recurring “stuck” or non‑updating Spotlight backgrounds.

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References:

• I am fed up with Windows arbitrarily changing my settings - Microsoft Q&A