Windows 10: Is it safe to erase %temp% and Temp files ..???

Just wondering about if that is safe to erase in any operating system such as Windows 10 and 11 for example... Also what I do after, I use the disk cleanup and check all the boxes then restart the computer, is that right..??

:)

 

These temp files will not delete

Hi Jeffrey,

Thank you for your interest in Windows 10.

We understand that, you are unable to delete temp files on Windows 10 and I'd be certainly help you.

For a better understanding of your issue, answer the query below:

• Do you receive any prompt or error code?
• What happens, when you try to delete temp files?

I suggest you to follow these methods below and check, if it works:

Method 1:

• Press Windows key + R key together, to open RUN command Window.
• Type "temp" in the RUN Command Window, to open temp folder and then delete the files and folders inside the temp folder.

If the issue persists, follow method 2.

Method 2:

• Press Windows key + R key together, to open RUN command Window.
• Type "%temp%" in the RUN Command Window, to open temp folder and then delete the files and folders inside the temp folder.
  

If the issue persists, follow method 3.

Method 3:

I suggest you to boot the computer to Safe Mode, then perform disk cleanup on Windows 10 and check, if it works.

I suggest you to refer the article and check, if it helps.

Windows Startup Settings (including safe mode):

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/change-startup-settings-in-windows-10#v1h=tab01

Let's try to perform disk cleanup on Windows 10 and check, if it works.

Disk cleanup in Windows 10:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-in/windows-10/disk-cleanup-in-windows-10

Please feel free to contact us, if you face any issues with Windows.



Thank you.

 

Is it safe to delete the Temp folder in C:/Windows/Temp?

Yes, all *files* in the temp folder (not the folder itself) can, and should be, deleted periodically.

The temp folder provides workspace for programs. Programs can create temporary files there for their own temporary use. Each program should delete all its temporary files when it closes, but for various reasons it doesn't always happen (for example,
if the program crashes, it never gets to do this). That's why it's a good idea to periodically clean out anything left there.

Also note that there are some program installations which work in two steps. The first step concludes by writing temporary files and rebooting. The second step starts automatically after rebooting and needs to find those files there (and then deletes
them when it's done).

Other than doing it automatically when rebooting (that would interfere with installations like the kind I described), it's always safe to delete the contents of the temp folder. Because it's safe to delete any temp files that aren't open and in use
by an application, and since Windows won't let you delete open files, it's safe to (try to) delete them at any time. If any fail to delete because they're open, they'll either be deleted automatically when the app using them closes, or you'll get them the
next time you delete manually.

Some people may suggest that you reboot before deleting anything, but that's not necessary, for the reason described above (on the other hand, it doesn't hurt to do it).

 

Temp files not deleting Windows 10

Hello,

Thank you for posting your query on Microsoft Community.

The temp files might be hidden and so not getting deleted as you have mentioned that you are unable to view the temp files in the temp folder.

I suggest you to first unhide the files and folders and then try to clear the Temp files.

1. Open File explorer and click on the
option View from top of the page.

2. Now check the box Hidden items.

Now check if you are able to view the Temp files.

If the issue persists, I suggest you
to boot into safe mode and check if the issue persists.

Safe mode is a troubleshooting option for Windows that starts your computer in a limited state. Only the basic files and drivers necessary to run Windows are started. The word
Safe Mode appears in the corners of your monitor to identify which monitors mode you are using.

To use a Safe Boot option, follow these steps:

• Press Windows Key + R.
• Run will open, type
  msconfig and hit the Enter key.
• A system configuration box will pop up.
• Click on Boot Tab.
• Select or click the check box Safe mode with networking.
  
• Click on Apply and ok.
• You will then see a restart button. Click it to restart your computer.

Once you are in safe mode try using the disk clean up tool and check if you can clear all the temp files.

Once you completed the steps above follow the below steps on how to go back to normal mode:

• Press Windows Key + R.
• Run will open, type
  msconfig and hit the Enter key.
• A system configuration box will pop up.
• Click on Boot Tab.
• If you see safe mode box has a check mark in it,
  uncheck the safe mode box and hit apply or
  ok.
• You will then see a restart button. Click it to restart your computer.
• When your computer comes back up, sign in and you will now be in "normal mode".

Let us know the status of the issue. For further assistance feel free to post your queries in Microsoft forums. We will be glad to assist you.

Thank you.