Fix: Can’t delete temporary files in Windows 11

Temporary files are unimportant files existing in the PC which the users can delete anytime they wish. However, the users of Windows 11 can face hindrance while deleting these temporary files from their PC. Thus, this blog will delve into the issue of cannot delete temporary files in detail and help the users to solve it easily.

Fix: Can’t delete temporary files in Windows 11

Now, let us further check the fixes which will allow us to solve the aforementioned issue in detail.

Fix 1: Using Command Prompt

The users can try running the Command Prompt as an administrator to delete the stubborn temporary files. Follow the steps given below to do so-

Step 1- Firstly, right-click on the Start button and click Terminal (Admin).

Step 2- Next, open Command Prompt. Thereafter, copy and paste the command given below and click Enter.

del /q /f /s %temp%\* && del /s /q C:\Windows\temp\*

Fix 2: Editing Registry files

Sometimes, editing the registry files can also help in fixing the issue. Now, let us check how we can do that.

Step 1- Open the Run dialog box. Next, copy and paste the prompt given below and press Enter.

regedit

Step 2- Now, copy and paste the path given below and press Enter.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SOFTWARE > Microsoft > Windows > CurrentVersion > Explorer > VolumeCaches > Temporary Files

Step 3- Again, double-click the LastAccess key and write 0 in Value data and press OK to confirm.

Fix 3: Booting in Safe Mode

Another solution is booting the PC in Safe Mode which will remove any kind of bug existing in the PC in return fixing the issue. The steps for doing the same are provided below.

Step 1- Firstly, open the Start Menu and press the power icon.

Step 2- Next, hold the Shift button and press Restart.

Step 3- Now, select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings.

Step 4- Again, select Restart and click 4 on keyboard. This will enter the PC in Safe Mode.

Fix 4: Using Disk Cleanup Tool

Another way for clearing the temporary files is through the Disk Cleanup tool. Now, the instructions to use the disk cleanup tool for this reason are provided below.

Step 1- At first, type disk cleanup in the search box and click Enter.

Step 2- Next, select the drive containing the files for temporary clearance and press OK.

Step 3- Below, Files to delete section, select the desirable file for removing and press OK. Lastly, select Delete Files to complete the process.

Fix 5: Clearing the SoftwareDistribution Folder

If the above fixes are not working, the users can also try deleting all the files in SoftwareDistribution folder. Thus, follow the steps below to do the same.

Step 1- Firstly, write services in the Search box. Open the first resultant.

Step 2- Now, right-click the Windows Update in Services window and select Stop.

Step 3- Again, press Windows + R and open the Run dialog box. Thereafter, copy and paste the prompt given below and press Enter.

C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download

Step 4- Next, in File Explorer press Ctrl + A and select all the files. Then, press the trash icon and delete all the files.

Step 5- Further, go back to Services and right-click the Windows Update once again. Lastly, select Start from the dop-down menu.

Hoping that the users can solve their issue with this easy guide!