How To Safely Remove Temp Folder? – 4 Methods

Windows and some programs create temp folders to store data for short-term usage.

These folders usually store unnecessary data like history, cookies, and other media files. Removing these folders saves a lot of space, helping you speed up the computer system.

In this post, I am going to teach you how to safely remove temporary folders to empty space and speed up your computer system or laptop.

How To Safely Remove Temp Folder?

1. Method 1: Manually Deleting Temporary Files
2. Method 2: Using Disk Cleanup
3. Method 3: Using Storage Sense
4. Method 4: Utilising Cleanup Tools Provided by a Third Party

Now, let’s go through each, and show you step by step how to solve it:

Method 1: Manually Deleting Temporary Files

To enter the Run dialogue box, press the Windows key and the letter R simultaneously on your keyboard. In the Run, type “%temp%” without quotation marks and press the Enter key. Windows Explorer will then be opened to the temporary folder when you do this.

You may select all the files and folders in the temp folder by hitting the “Ctrl and A” keys together. You may delete the chosen files and folders by pressing the Delete key on your keyboard or by right-clicking them and selecting Delete from the context menu.

Click the Yes button when requested to confirm the deletion. It’s possible that certain files can’t be removed because they’re being used by programs that are now being executed. In such a scenario, you may remove the remaining files by selecting Skip or Skip All from the menu.

Method 2: Using Disk Cleanup

You may start the disc cleanup process by pressing the Windows key on your keyboard and entering “Disc Cleanup” into the search box. Choose the Disc Cleanup program from the results list to clean up your hard drive.

Click “OK” once you have determined the location on your computer where the Windows operating system is stored (often the C: disc).

The disc will be analyzed, and then a list of file categories that can be deleted will be shown to you by Disc Cleanup. Mark the checkboxes corresponding to “Temporary files” and “Temporary Internet Files.” You have the option of selecting other file categories that you wish to clean up as well. To confirm the deletion, click the OK button and then the Delete Files button.

Method 3: Using Storage Sense

Microsoft began to include a new function in Windows 10 with the release of version 1809 called Storage Sense. This function enables your computer to automatically delete temporary files and any other data deemed superfluous. To delete the temporary folder utilizing Storage Sense in the following manner:

You may launch the Settings application by pressing the Windows key on your keyboard and then clicking on the gear symbol in the Start menu. Click on “System” within the Settings app, and after that, choose “Storage” from the list of options on the left.

If the “Storage Sense” toggle switch is inactive, you should activate it now. Simply choose “Configure Storage Sense or run it now” from the drop-down menu. Select “Temporary Files” from the drop-down menu, then select “Delete temporary files.”

To delete the temporary files, including those in the temp folder, select the checkbox next to “Temporary Files” and then click the “Remove files” button.

Method 4: Utilising Cleanup Tools Provided by a Third Party

There are a number of third-party cleanup solutions that are now available that may assist you in removing temporary files in a secure manner. It includes the files that are located in the temp folder. 

These applications often come with various extra functions and customization choices for removing different kinds of trash files. CCleaner, Wise Disc Cleaner, and BleachBit are examples of well-known cleaning software. 

You should choose a trusted source, then download and install the cleaning tool that best suits your needs. Launch the application, then browse the choices for clearing out temporary files.

Find the choices pertaining to temporary files or the temporary folder, then choose those settings. When the cleanup procedure is started, the utility will search for temporary files and delete them, including any items in the temp folder. 

Is It 100% Safe To Delete Temp Folder?

It is perfectly safe to delete the contents of the temporary folder, which may help free up space on your disc, boost system speed, and decrease clutter. However, before removing temporary files, it is essential to check that no programs currently use the files in any way, shape, or form.

On the hard disc of a computer is a directory known as the temporary folder, which is used for storing temporary files. This directory is also commonly referred to as the temp folder. During their typical operation, numerous processes and programs produce these files. 

The files generally kept in this directory are not required, and they can be deleted without risking damage to either the computer’s operating system or the rest of the computer’s data. 

The temp folder’s purpose is to store temporary files, such as data that has been cached, installation files, or items that remain after program updates have been applied. These files are not required for the proper operation of the operating system or any of the apps that have been installed.

You can delete the temp folder. However, you should be aware that not all files in the temporary folder can be safely deleted now. Some programs may have processes or activities still running and use temporary files. 

Suppose you attempt to remove a file being used by a program presently being executed. In that case, you may encounter difficulties or cause the program to stop operating properly. 

Does Deleting Temp Folder Will Delete My App’s Data?

Your computer’s temporary folder deletion won’t remove the data or files from your apps and device. It is because temporary files, rather than permanent ones, are often stored in the ‘temp’ folder by the operating system and installed programs. These files are extra files and has no direct impact on system.

These temporary files are produced by installing software, updating the operating system, and regular computer use, among other things. Since these files don’t include personal information or settings specific to your installed programs, deleting them won’t impact your apps.

There may, however, be some exceptions. Removing backups or cache data from a temporary folder may cause minor errors or slow app functionality. Nevertheless, these occurrences are uncommon, and most software is made to create any required temporary files if they are lost.

The most important thing to note in this situation is that data like user preferences, stored game progress, documents, user settings, etc., are not preserved in the temporary folder. Instead, they are kept in distinct directories connected to the app or occasionally in the user profile folders, all independent of the temporary files directory.

How Long Do Temp Files Stay on the Computer?

Most operating systems and programs are built to automatically delete temporary files when they are no longer needed. For instance, the accompanying temporary files are often removed when you end a document or quit a program. But some files can stay until you delete them.

The system is kept functioning smoothly, and disc space is freed up thanks to this automatic cleansing. There are circumstances, nevertheless, in which temporary files could stay on the computer for a longer time.

For instance, a program might not correctly clear away its temporary files if it crashes or ends abruptly. These files may continue to exist on the computer in such circumstances until they are manually erased.

Additionally, certain programs or utilities may purposefully keep temporary files around for a predetermined amount of time in order to enhance performance or act as a backup in the event of a system crash. 

These files may be deleted as part of routine maintenance procedures or in response to specific events, such as exceeding a disc space threshold.

User choices and setups also affect how long temporary files remain on a computer. System preferences or specific apps typically allow users to alter how temporary files are handled. 

Do Temp Files Slow Down Computer?

They can, but the connection is not as strong as expected. It mostly depends on the number, placement, and general health of these files on your computer. If your drive with the installed operating system has excessive temporary files, it might slow down your PC.

Temporary files do not automatically slow down a computer. However, if your hard disc is almost full, any more temporary or otherwise files can cause your computer to run more slowly. It allows file read/write operations to be performed more quickly. 

When your hard drive is almost full, the computer has less room to use for virtual memory. Your operating system may have a tougher time managing files and processes effectively due to this shortage of space, which may result in observable system slowdowns.

Another situation where temporary files could cause a computer to lag is when there are a lot of them, and they’re dispersed throughout your hard drive. It may result in fragmentation, which is a phenomenon. Your computer must work harder to access and interpret fragmented files, which might decrease performance.

Conclusion

Deleting the temporary folder is secure and efficient to clear up disc space, increase system performance, and declutter your computer. Before removing files from the temporary folder, it’s crucial to ensure no applications are still utilizing them. 

The operating system or installed programs do not depend on temporary files to function in the temporary folder. Since temporary files are distinct from permanent files that preserve user data and application-specific settings, deleting the temporary folder won’t remove the data associated with your program. 

While deleting temporary files often has little effect on programs, in rare instances, erasing backups or cache data from the temporary folder could result in minuscule errors or impede app operation. 

Although temporary files are intended to be erased automatically when they are no longer required. They may stay on the computer for longer, depending on the situation or the user’s choices. Deleting the temporary folder can improve how efficiently your computer uses its disc space and how quickly it runs.