“Temporary Internet files” is terminology associated with older versions of Internet Explorer. On Windows 11, web browsers maintain their own caches, while Windows Storage settings manage other temporary system files. Clear the browser cache if your goal is to remove cached website data.
Clear cached files in your browser
Open the browser’s privacy, history, or browsing-data settings and choose the cached-images-and-files option. Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and other browsers use different menus, so follow the controls for the browser you actually use.
Cookies and cache are not the same thing
Clearing cached files removes locally stored website resources that can be downloaded again. Clearing cookies can sign you out of websites and remove site preferences. Select only the data categories you intend to erase.
Use Windows Storage for system temporary files
- Open Settings > System > Storage.
- Select Temporary files.
- Allow Windows to calculate the categories.
- Review each category before selecting it.
- Remove only files you no longer need.
Check Downloads carefully
If a cleanup screen offers the Downloads folder as a removable category, do not select it unless you have reviewed its contents. Downloads can contain personal files rather than disposable cache data.
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.