How to delete temporary files in Windows

Autodesk Support

Feb 4, 2025

Products and versions covered

Issue:

How to remove temporary files from the Windows operating system.

Solution:

Most issues with Autodesk software that involve excessive or corrupt temp files can be resolved by deleting the contents of a user's local temp folder. To do this:

  1. Exit all programs.
  2. Press WINDOWS-R on the keyboard to bring up the Run window.
  3. Type %TMP% and then click OK.
  4. Delete the contents of the folder that opens up.

There may be files in use by background processes, so not all files will delete. Rebooting may allow all of them to be deleted.

Note: Instead of using the Run window, a couple other methods of getting to the temp folder is to type %tmp% in the Search field at the bottom of the Start menu or into the location bar of any folder window.



Locations of temp folders in Windows

Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1,10, and 11:

  • C:\Users\<user>\AppData\Local\Temp
  • C:\Users\<user>\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files
  • C:\Windows\Temp
  • C:\Temp


Windows XP:

  • C:\Documents and Settings\<user>\Local Settings\Temp
  • C:\Documents and Settings\<user>\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files
  • C:\Windows\Temp
  • C:\Temp

These folders can be manually accessed. The AppData folder is a hidden folder. The Temporary Internet Files folder is a hidden system folder. To see hidden folders, "Show hidden files, folders, and drives" needs to be enabled in Folder Options. To see hidden system folders, disable "Hide protected operating system files" in Folder Options.

Additionally, the Disk Cleanup Utility can be used to clear out several categories of temporary files all at once. The utility is found in Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Cleanup. At your own discretion, be selective in the options chosen. It is probably safe to pick everything except compressing files and cataloging (these take a long time to do and do not have anything to do with temp files).

Products:

All Desktop Products;

Was this information helpful?

Need help? Ask the Autodesk Assistant!

The Assistant can help you find answers or contact an agent.

Ask the Assistant

What level of support do you have?

Different subscription plans provide distinct categories of support. Find out the level of support for your plan.

View levels of support