The quickest way to open the AppData folder in Windows 10 is to press Windows + R, type %appdata%, and press Enter. File Explorer opens the Roaming folder inside AppData. Select AppData in the address bar to go up to the main folder, which is at C:\Users\<your user name>\AppData.
AppData is hidden by default because programs store their settings there. Look around freely, but don’t delete folders unless you know what they’re for.
Applies to: Windows 10. The same steps work in Windows 11. Checked against Microsoft documentation on September 24, 2026.
Open AppData from the Run box
- Press Windows + R to open the Run box.
- Type
%appdata%and select OK (or press Enter). - File Explorer opens
AppData\Roaming. To see all of AppData, select AppData in the address bar.
To go straight to a different part of AppData, type one of these in the Run box instead:
%localappdata%opens AppData\Local.%localappdata%\Tempor%temp%opens your temporary files folder.%userprofile%\AppDataopens the main AppData folder.
Show AppData in File Explorer
AppData won’t appear in your user folder until you show hidden items.
- Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.
- Select the View tab.
- In the Show/hide group, check Hidden items.
- Go to
C:\Users\<your user name>. AppData now appears, slightly faded because it’s a hidden folder.
You can also paste C:\Users\<your user name>\AppData into the File Explorer address bar, even with hidden items turned off.
What’s in AppData
AppData has three folders, and each program decides which one to use:
- Roaming: settings that can follow your account to another PC on some work or school networks, such as custom dictionaries, browser profiles, and app preferences.
- Local: data that stays on this PC, often because it’s too large or specific to this computer. Caches and the
Tempfolder live here. - LocalLow: like Local, but for programs that run with extra security restrictions, such as some browser plug-ins and games.
Common reasons to open AppData
- Back up or move an app’s settings to a new PC.
- Reset a misbehaving app by renaming its settings folder so the app creates a fresh one. Close the app first, and rename rather than delete so you can undo it.
- Find save files or logs that an app’s support page asks you to locate.
Don’t delete AppData to free up space
Deleting folders in AppData can break programs or erase settings, saved games, and email data. To free up space safely:
- Go to Settings > System > Storage.
- Select Temporary files.
- Check the types of files you want to remove and select Remove files.
You can also clear the Temp folder: open %temp%, select everything, and delete it. Skip any files Windows says are in use. See how to delete temp files from Windows 10 and how to free up space in Windows 10 safely.
Frequently asked questions
Do I ever need to go into AppData?
Most people don’t. You usually only need it when an app’s support instructions ask you to find a file, or when you’re moving settings to a new PC.
Why can’t I see AppData in my user folder?
It’s hidden. Turn on Hidden items as shown above, or use %appdata% in the Run box.
Is AppData the same for every user?
No. Each user account on the PC has its own AppData folder inside its own user folder, so you only see your own settings.
For more on hidden items, see how to hide and show hidden files and folders in Windows 10.
Remove a program before you delete its AppData folder. See how to uninstall programs on Windows 10.
Sticky Notes keeps its notes in AppData too. See how to back up and restore Sticky Notes in Windows 10.
To find a file anywhere on your PC, see how to search for files in Windows 10.
On Windows 11, see how to find the AppData folder in Windows 11. Microsoft’s guide to hidden files is View hidden files and folders in Windows. More help is on our Windows Help & Guides page.
One common reason to open AppData is to clear an app’s cache. See how to clear the Teams cache in Windows 10.
Outlook also keeps a cache in AppData. See how to clear the Outlook cache in Windows 10.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.