The Temp folder in Windows 11 serves as a storage location for various temporary files created by the operating system and applications. These files include:

  • Error logs and data
  • Launch configurations
  • Browsing data
  • Application data
  • Windows updates
  • Installation files
  • Cached data

The size of this folder varies among users, depending on factors such as the duration of the operating system's installation and the number of applications installed.

Accessing the Temp folder

The most direct method to access the Temp folder in Windows 11 is through the File Explorer. Here's how:

  1. Open File Explorer by pressing Windows key + E.
  2. In the address bar, type %temp% and press Enter on your keyboard.

Alternatively, you can use the Run dialog:

  1. Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.
  2. Type %temp% and press Enter.
Run dialog with %temp% command

Managing Temp files

Delete Temp files through Settings

For a safer approach to managing Temp files, you can use the Windows Settings:

  1. Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I.
  2. Navigate to System > Storage.
  3. Wait for the storage usage to load, then click on "Temporary files".
Storage settings showing Temporary files option
  1. Select the files you want to remove.
  2. Click "Remove files" to delete the selected temporary files.
Remove files button in Storage settings

Use Storage Sense for automatic cleanup

To automate the process of managing temporary files, you can configure Storage Sense:

  1. In Settings, go to System > Storage.
  2. Scroll down and click on "Storage Sense".
Storage Sense option in Storage settings
  1. Enable "Automatic User content cleanup".
  2. Configure how often Storage Sense should run (daily, weekly, or monthly).
  3. Set preferences for deleting files from the Recycle Bin and Downloads folder.
Storage Sense configuration options

You can also manually run Storage Sense by clicking the "Run Storage Sense now" button at the bottom of the settings page.

Can you delete the Temp folder?

While it's safe to delete the contents of the Temp folder, you should never delete the folder itself. The files within are not critical to your computer's functioning, but the folder is necessary for Windows and applications to store temporary data.

To check how much space temporary files are occupying:

  1. Open Settings and go to System > Storage.
  2. Wait for the storage usage to load.
  3. Look for the "Temporary files" entry to see the total space used.
Storage usage showing Temporary files space

Regular maintenance of the Temp folder can significantly improve your computer's performance and free up valuable disk space. By understanding its location and utilizing the built-in Windows tools, you can efficiently manage temporary files in Windows 11.