How to Clear Memory Cache on Windows 10/8/7/Vista/XP in 5 Ways

Basil Rathbone updated on 2022-12-22 21:05:29

Like every operating system, Windows also stores different kinds of cache files on the hard drive. In simple words, cache files are temporary files that are stored on the memory to make it easier for you to access frequently used data. The cache data utilize lots of hard drive space of your computer. Deleting cache files is necessary for the smooth running of the system. Cache memory is responsible for various kinds of computer problems, including slow processing speed, slow startup, lag or hang, application responding, and many others. If you don't know how to clear memory cache on your Windows computer then, the solution to your problem is here. Here in this post, we will talk about How to clear memory cache on Windows computers.

Part 1: Why Should I Clear Memory Cache on Windows 10/8/7/Vista/XP?

The RAM cache only occupies a small part of the system's standard memory, but the cache runs very fast so that applications/programs can use it to run faster. The main purpose of cache memory is to temporarily store frequently used data for quicker processing. However, sometimes due to memory leaks or some wrong exe files, the cache memory can slow down the system. The following are some main benefits of clearing memory cache on Windows.

Improve performance of the system

Different components of computers use memory to perform different tasks and they will not perform well if no memory is available. For example, if the speed of the hard disk is too slow, it will seriously affect the work of the entire system. By clearing memory cache, we can improve the performance of the system efficiently.

Free up storage

If you find that the system's memory is running low, you must pay attention to clear memory cache. After clearing memory cache, you can have more storage space and it will also improve the overall performance of your system. Regular cleaning of the corresponding area will help prevent any leakage problems and keep the system relatively clean.

Improve computer speed

Clearing memory cache on windows can improve the computer's memory reading power, strengthen the coordination of the functions of the computer's various components, and make the computer run more smoothly.

Part 2: 5 Ways to Clear Memory Cache on Windows 10/8/7/Vista/XP.

It is necessary to clear cache the memory to fully utilize your CPU power. Cache memory causes lots of problems by occupying a huge amount of computer RAM (Random Access Memory). That's why it is always recommended to clearing memory cache from your Windows computer to get optimum performance. Cache memory is something that is really useful to give you better performance. It helps the application to load faster as compared to load the app without cache data. Here below are some methods that will help you to clear memory cache in Windows 10/8/7/Vista/ and XP.

Method 1: Create Clear Memory Cache Shortcut

This is one of the easiest solutions to clear memory cache on the Windows operating system. This method is completely free; you don't have to install any third-party paid tool to clear the memory cache. Below are some steps to clear memory cache on Windows.

Step 1: First of all, you have to turn on your computer and right-click on the desktop.

Step 2: Here, you will have a couple of options. Click on "Shortcut" under the New option.

clear memory cache

Step 3: Create a Shortcut wizard will appear, you have to click Browse to locate the directory. Or you can simply type "%windir%\system32\rundll32.exe advapi32.dll, ProcessIdleTasks" without quotes on the text field of "Type the location of the item".

clear memory cache shortcut

Step 4: Once the above process is completed, you have to click on the "Next" button to proceed to the next step.

Step 5: Now, you have to type a name for this shortcut. Here, we are typing "Clear Unused RAM" and hit on the "Next" button.

clear memory cache

Once the shortcut is created, switch to the desktop and double-click on the shortcut to clear memory cache on Windows.


Method 2: Clear General Cache

Disk Cleanup is an integrated feature of Microsoft Windows that enables the user to clean unwanted files. Getting engaging with this feature, you can remove temporary files, unwanted files, preview windows installation files, and much more. You just have to choose the disk and start the deleting process. Here below are steps to clear the memory cache using disk cleanup.

Step 1: At the first step, you have to click on the "Start" button and type "disk cleanup" in the search field, and hit the "Enter" button.

Step 2: Now, Disk Cleanup: Drive Selection dialog box will appear. You have to choose the drive from where you would like to clear the memory cache.

Step 3: Now, click on the "OK" button. It will start the scanning process and shows you how much space is occupied by the cache.

Step 4: You have to tick the checkbox which you would like to clean. If you want to clean system files then, you can click on the "Clean up system files" otherwise, hit on the "OK" button at the bottom of the window.

clear general memory cache

Step 5: Once the above process is completed, you can click on "Delete Files" if prompted. It will start deleting cache files from places including recycling bin, Thumbnails, and many other places.


Method 3: Clear App Data File to Clear Memory Cache

Step 1: At the first step, you have to click on the "Start" button or hit on the "Windows" key and click on "Computers" to open My Computer.

Step 2: My Computer window will appear; if you don't see My Computer, then manually type "My Computer" at the start and hit the "Enter" button.

Step 3: Once the above process is completed, you have to click on the "Organize" tab in the top left corner of the window.

Step 4: Then, choose "Folder and search options" under the organized drop-down menu.

Step 5: a Folder options dialog box will appear with 3 tabs; click on the view tab.

Step 6: Now, you have to click on the "Show Hidden files, folder, and drives" radio button under the "Hidden files and folders".

clear app data

Step 7: Click on the "OK" button at the button of the window.

Step 8: Once the above process is successfully completed, you have to open the hard disk where windows are installed.

Step 9: Now, you have to open the "Users" folder by double-clicking on it. Then, click on the folder with an administrator account.

Step 10: You have to locate the "AppData" folder and open it by double-clicking and open the "Local" folder.

Step 11: Now, you have to select the "Temp" folder and open it.

clear app data

Step 12: Remove the read-only permissions from the Temp folder.

Step 13: You have to select all files that are placed in the Temp folder. You can press "Ctrl" + "A" to select all files.

clear app data

Step 14: Once the files are selected, press "Shift" + "Delete" button simultaneously to permanently delete all temp files.


Method 4: Delete Internet Explorer Files to Clear Memory Cache

Step 1: First of all, click on the "Start" button and type "Internet Explorer" in the text field, and press the "Enter" button.

Step 2: The Internet Explorer web browser window will appear, you have to click on the "General" tab at the top of the window.

Step 3: Now, you have to click on the "Settings" under the browsing history section.

Step 4: Then, click on "View files" on the screen's bottom right side. Once the above process is completed, a new window will appear with all cached files created by Internet Explorer.

Step 5: You have to press the "Ctrl" + "A" button simultaneously to select all the cache files.

Step 6: Now, you have to press the "Shift" + "Delete" button to remove all cached files permanently.


Method 5: Clear the DNS Cache

Step 1: Initially, you have to click on the "Start" menu by clicking on the Start button at the bottom left of the screen.

Step 2: Now, type the command prompt and hit the Enter button to launch. You can also open a command prompt by right click on Command prompt and run as administrator.

Step 3: On the command prompt, you have to type "ipconfig /flushdns" without quotes and press the"Enter" button.

Step 4: You have to wait for a couple of seconds and be notified when completed. Once it is successfully completed, you have to restart your computer to makes changes.

clear cached physical memory

Part 3: How to Recover Memories Accidentally Deleted When I Clear Memory Cache?

Cache memory can be deleted directly from the windows but many people accidentally delete important memories when cleaning them. Clearing the cached data will erase all stored content and force the browser or application to create a new cache, so how to restore deleted memories that we lost while clearing cache? We can use different data recovery tools for this purpose and Recoverit is an ideal data recovery tool.

There are many kinds of data recovery software, so which software should we choose? Recoverit is a reliable and effective data recovery tool. It supports any data loss situation, such as deleted file recovery, formatted disk recovery, deleted/lost partition recovery, virus attack, etc. Besides, Recoverit also supports to recover more than 1000 types of data, including memory cache, photo, video, music, email, etc. With Recoverit, you can recover memory cache effectively and easily.

recoverit

Key Features of Recoverit-Data Recovery:

  • Support to recover data lost in different scenarios, like external devices, system creash, formatted disk, etc.
  • All-in-one data recovery software for your computer.
  • It also possesses the capability to recover deleted files from a full range of devices.
  • Recover more than 1000 types of file types and almost all kinds of data from different devices.
  • Rescue data from crashed PC with easy steps.
  • Support to make data recovery and video repair on PC and Mac.
2,965,271 people have downloaded it

Step 1. Install Recoverit on your PC or Mac, then select the location where your lost memory cach once stored.

choose location

Step 2. Scan the data lost location and wait for the process to proceed.

Now, wait for few seconds until the system will scan the location where you lost your data. You can apply filters to scan precisely according to your requirements. You can scan for any kind of data.

scan the location

Step 3. Preview and select the data (cache or other types of data) to recover.

This is the final step of this process. After completion of the scanning process, you will see the list of lost data on the screen. From here you can choose different types of data files to save. After that click on recover to save these files.

recover data

Bonus Tips: How to Avoid Losing Data When Clearing Cache?

Clearing memory cache can improve the performance of your system by removing temporary files and it has no impact on your downloaded data including photos, songs, and other files. It only deletes temporary files in the apps and websites you visit and will not delete your settings or files. You had better download your required data before clearing the cache to avoid data loss.

Peopel Also Ask
What's Wondershare ID?
Wondershare ID is an easy way to access Filmora's resources, keep track of your product's activation status, and manage your purchases. Use your Wondershare ID to sign into Filmora and Filmstock. More products and services will be connected in the future. If you want to know how to create and activate a Wondershare ID, please click here >
Filmstock is an amazing source of effects resources for Filmora users to use in their videos! You'll find animated titles, motion graphics, filters, intros, overlays, and more. To get effects packs you need to log in from the Effects Store with your Wondershare ID, and subscribe for access to all Filmora's effects. Click here to learn more details about Filmora's effects.
Yes! We are trying our best to help you with smart solutions that makes your digital life become more creative and productive. Click here to know more about what are the best software in different categories and get the one most suitable for you.