How to clean the Temp folder without deleting important system files

Keeping your PC running smoothly and free of unnecessary files is easier than it seems. Cleaning the Temp folder without deleting important system files can help free up space and optimize processes. However, doing so safely requires knowing the right steps. Today we'll see how. How to clean this folder without compromising system stability or essential elements.

What is the Temp folder?

Before explaining how to clean the Temp folder without deleting relevant system files, let's see what the Temp folder is. This folder This is where Windows and applications store temporary files while they workOver time, these accumulate and take up space, but most become useless once the programs are closed.

This folder It does not contain essential operating system filesSo there's not much risk involved in cleaning it. However, if there are temporary files in use, they shouldn't be deleted while they're open. Below, we'll show you how to clean the Temp folder using three safe methods: manual cleaning, using Disk Cleanup, and enabling Storage Sense in Windows 10 and 11.

Safe methods to clean the Temp folder

To clean the Temp folder without deleting important system files, there are several ways to do it. For one, you can perform a manual cleanup using Windows + R You can also use the built-in Windows tool: Disk Cleanup. Additionally, enabling Storage Sense will help keep your computer as free of temporary files as possible. Let's see how to run each one.

Manual cleaning

These are the Steps to manually clean the Temp folder:

1. Close all programs: Make sure all programs you may be using are closed to prevent files from being locked.
2. Open the run window by pressing Windows + R.
3. Write % Temp% in the text box and press OK.
4. Select all files (Windows key + E) to select them all.
5. Delete the files: Press Shift + Delete (or Delete) to permanently delete them. You can also delete them normally and then empty the recycle bin.
6. Skip files in useSome files may not be able to be deleted because a program is using them. In this case, click Skip; this ensures that you don't delete anything the system needs.

If you use this feature, remember that There is a difference between the %temp% and temp folders (Step 3). The first one (with symbols) refers to the local user's temporary files. And Temp (without symbols) takes you to the system's temporary files folder.

You can clean both folders, although it's preferable to do it with %temp% because that's where the most garbage accumulates on a daily basisHowever, if you decide to clean both, keep in mind that Temp usually requires administrator privileges and it might be better to leave it to Disk Cleanup, which we'll look at next.

Use Disk Cleanup

To perform routine maintenance and safely release temporary files, you can Use Disk Cleanup, the built-in Windows tool. Follow these steps to do it:

1. Type “Disk Cleanup” in the Windows search bar.
2. Press Open. You may be asked to select the main drive, which is usually (C:).
3. Check the temporary files box and confirm the cleanup.
4. Done. This method avoids deleting files in use and removes temporary files that your computer no longer needs.

Activate Storage Sensor

In addition to cleaning the Temp folder manually or using Disk Cleanup, you can activate the Storage SensorWhat do you achieve with this?Automatically free up space, delete temporary files, and manage locally available cloud content.”, according to Microsoft. To activate it, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows + I keys to enter Configuration.
2. Go to System - Storage.
3. Next, activate the “Storage sensor"so that Windows automatically deletes temporary files."
4. From there you can also perform a manual cleanup of temporary files.

Benefits of cleaning the Temp folder

Cleaning the Temp folder in Windows is useful for free up disk space and reduce the accumulation of unnecessary filesThis can improve your PC's overall performance, especially if your hard drive is full, it's an HDD, or if you have a lot of temporary files. The main benefits include:

• More free spaceThe most immediate benefit is to recover disk space.
• Faster start-up and chargingWhen you reduce the number of files that Windows has to manage, some processes, such as the Loading icons on the DesktopThey become faster.
• Supports Preventive Maintenance:While it's not a magic bullet for improving your PC's performance, it does prevent corrupt or residual files from interfering with future programs.

Precautions for cleaning the Temp folder without deleting important files

Before cleaning the Temp folder, there are a few precautions you should consider. For example, it's essential to close all programs before cleaning, as many temporary files are in use while applications are open. Another recommendation is Avoid cleaning during an installation or upgrade.If you delete the files at that moment, you can interrupt the process.

While you can speed up the process by using Shift + Delete to delete temporary files, it's probably better to send them to the Recycle Bin. Why? Because you can restore something if you deleted it by mistake. Also, it's best not to touch other system folders. If you're going to delete %temp%, completely avoid deleting crucial folders like System32 or Program Files..

While possible, Use the built-in Windows tools to keep the system cleanDisk Cleanup and Windows Storage Sense know which files can be safely deleted. Using them reduces the risk of deleting a file you might need later.

Conclusion

In summary, Cleaning the Temp folder is a simple and safe practice that helps keep your PC tidy.freeing up space and removing unnecessary clutter. Whether you do it manually or using built-in Windows tools, you can optimize your PC's performance without deleting important system files.