Temporary Files

Question

I have tried to remove temporary files but they won't delete when I check the storage space category. I have restarted the computer after I remove the files prompt but they still appear when I come back to check.

Answer 1

Hi John,

What sort of files are we talking about exactly? What data are you trying to delete?

The Users\Temp directory in Windows is used for storing temporary files created by the operating system and applications. These files are meant to hold short-term data during installations, updates, or while programs are running, and they can usually be deleted without harming the system

Purpose of the Users\Temp Directory

• Temporary storage: Holds files needed only while a process is running (e.g., installers, cached data, logs).
• Fallback for low memory: When RAM isn’t enough, Windows may use temp files to offload data.
• User-specific: Each account has its own temp folder, ensuring separation of data between users.
• Cleanup-friendly: Files are not critical once the process ends; Windows and apps often leave them behind.

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Common Uses

• Software installation: Installers unpack files into Temp before moving them to permanent locations.
• Updates: Windows Update and Office updates use Temp for staging files.
• Applications: Programs like browsers or editors store cached data here temporarily.
• Crash logs: Some apps write diagnostic logs to Temp after errors.

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Risks & Considerations

• Safe to delete: You can clear out the contents of Temp to free space. If a file is still in use, Windows will block deletion automatically.
• Not permanent storage: Never save important files here; they may be wiped during cleanup.
• Profile issues: Sometimes, Windows creates Users\Temp folders if a user profile fails to load correctly. This can indicate a login or profile corruption problem rather than just normal temp usage. Microsoft Learn
• Disk space: Large temp folders can slow down performance if left unchecked.

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Best Practices

• Use Disk Cleanup or Storage Sense: Built-in tools safely remove temp files.
• Manual deletion: Navigate to C:\Users\<YourUser>\AppData\Local\Temp and delete files not in use.
• Check profile issues: If you see multiple Temp folders under Users, it may mean Windows is logging you into a temporary profile. In that case, fixing the user profile in the registry or account settings may be necessary. Microsoft Learn
• Regular maintenance: Clearing temp files monthly helps keep the system smooth.

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Quick Comparison

Aspect	Temp Folder Role	User Impact
Installers	Store unpacked files during setup	Needed only temporarily
--------	--------	--------
Installers	Store unpacked files during setup	Needed only temporarily
Updates	Stage files before applying	Safe to delete afterward
App caches/logs	Hold session data, crash reports	May speed up apps but not essential
Profile fallback	Created if login fails, e.g., Users\Temp	Can cause missing settings/data

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In short: The Users\Temp directory is a workspace for Windows and apps to handle short-term data. It’s safe to clear, but if you see multiple Temp folders under Users, that could signal a profile issue rather than normal temporary storage.

Answer 2

Hi, I'm John!

Just to confirm, when you remove the Temporary files in Settings > System > Storage, it completes the cleanup, but when you check again later they still appear. Correct?

Please note that some temporary files are automatically recreated by Windows, so it is normal for a small amount to appear again after cleanup.

Also, I recommend not using third-party cleaning apps, as they can sometimes remove important files or cause other issues.

If you want an official cleanup tool from Microsoft, you can use Microsoft PC Manager https://pcmanager.microsoft.com which includes a safe storage cleanup feature.

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Let me know if you have any further questions or concerns.

Click "Add comment" to let me know.

Regards,

John J.D.

Answer 3

On Windows 11, temporary files shown in Storage may reappear or not clear fully if they are being recreated by apps or if the cleanup method used does not target all sources. Use these steps and checks:

1. Use Disk Cleanup for deeper cleanup (Windows 10/11)
   1. Open the search box on the taskbar and type disk cleanup, then select it from the results.
   2. Select the system drive (usually C:) and select OK.
   3. In the list, select the check boxes for the file types to delete (for example Temporary files, Temporary Internet Files, Thumbnails, etc.). Clear any boxes you do not want to delete.
   4. Select OK, then Delete files.
   5. To remove more system-related temp data, select Clean up system files, choose the drive again, then select additional categories and confirm.
2. If you get repeated low disk space or temp-folder issues If a Temp folder fills quickly again (for example with Microsoft Store app files), reset the Store and related components:
   1. Reset Microsoft Store apps troubleshooter:
      • Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
      • Select Windows Store Apps and choose Run the troubleshooter.
   2. Clear Microsoft Store cache:
      • Press Windows logo key + R, type wsreset.exe, select OK.
      • A Command Prompt window opens briefly, then Microsoft Store opens automatically.
   3. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter:
      • Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
      • Select Windows Update and choose Run the troubleshooter.
   4. Restart the PC and recheck Settings > System > Storage.
3. Enable automatic cleanup (Storage Sense)
   1. Open Settings > System > Storage.
   2. Turn on Storage Sense so Windows can automatically remove temporary files and items in Recycle Bin.
4. If Storage settings itself is problematic If opening Settings > System > Storage shows unusual prompts or behavior, this can be due to recent updates. In that case, rely on Disk Cleanup and Storage Sense as above rather than only the Storage category view.

If temporary files still appear after cleanup, it usually means active apps or services are recreating them; this is normal to a degree. Focus on whether total used space actually decreases after running Disk Cleanup and restarting.

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References:

• Free up drive space in Windows
• Fix low disk space errors quickly in Windows
• storage settings: Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device? - Microsoft Q&A
• “After installing preview update KB5074105 (26200.7705), opening Settings → System → Storage triggers a UAC prompt. This did not occur before the update.” - Microsoft Q&A