Temporary files, also known as temp files, are created by Windows and other applications to store data temporarily. These files can accumulate over time, consuming a significant amount of storage space.
In this article, we delve into the locations of temporary files in different Windows versions, why they can become enormous, and how you can delete them, particularly in Windows 7, automatically.
Temporary Files Folder Location in Windows
Windows 7 and Windows 8
In both Windows 7 and Windows 8, the location of the temporary files folder is typically in the same place. You can access this folder by following these steps:
- Press the “Windows + R” keys to open the Run dialogue box.
- Type “%temp%” and press Enter.
This command opens the temporary files folder for the current user. These files are generally safe to delete as they are created for temporary use only.
Windows 10
In Windows 10, you can also access the temporary files folder by typing “%temp%” in the Run dialogue box.
Word Temporary Files in Windows 10
Microsoft Word creates temporary files as a backup measure when you’re working on a document. The location of Word’s temporary files in Windows 10 is a little trickier to find. Follow these steps:
- Open Word, click on “File,” then “Options.”
- In the “Options” window, click “Save.”
- You will find the auto-recovery file location here. This is where Word saves its temporary files.
Temporary Files Becoming Huge
Temporary files can become quite large over time, mainly because they are not always deleted when they’re no longer needed. Applications and Windows might fail to remove these files due to system crashes, unexpected shutdowns, or software bugs.
For instance, if a program is closed improperly, it might not get the chance to delete its temporary files. Over time, these undeleted files can accumulate, occupying significant storage space.
How to Delete Temporary Files
It’s essential to clean out your temp files regularly to free up disk space and keep your PC running smoothly.
Windows 7
In Windows 7, you can use the built-in Disk Cleanup tool to delete temporary files automatically. Here’s how:
- Click on the “Start” button and in the search box, type “Disk Cleanup.”
- Select the drive you want to clean.
- Check “Temporary files” and any other file types you want to delete, then click “OK.”
Windows 8 and Windows 10
For Windows 8 and Windows 10 users, the process is slightly different:
- Press the “Windows + I” keys to open the Settings app.
- Click on “System,” then “Storage.”
- Under “Local Disk (C:),” click on “Temporary files.”
- Select the temporary files you want to delete, then click “Remove files.”
Deleting temporary files can help maintain your system’s performance. However, always remember to be careful when deleting files from your system. When in doubt, it’s always a good idea to back up your important files or consult with a professional.
In conclusion
Understanding the location and management of temporary files is crucial for effective storage management and system performance optimization in Windows.
This guide serves as a stepping stone towards a better understanding of temporary files in different Windows versions, including Windows 7, 8, and 10.
