Clearing Discord cache on Windows 11 helps improve performance and free up storage space. To do this, you’ll need to locate the specific cache folders on your computer and delete their contents. These steps ensure that Discord runs more smoothly and that outdated or corrupted files are removed.
How to Clear Discord Cache on Windows 11
In this section, we’ll guide you through each step to clear Discord’s cache on your Windows 11 computer. This process involves finding the cache folders and deleting the files inside them.
Step 1: Completely Exit Discord
Make sure Discord is not running in the background.
To ensure this, click on the Discord icon in the system tray, right-click, and select “Quit Discord.” This step is important because it prevents any issues from arising while you delete the cache files.
Step 2: Open File Explorer
Open File Explorer by pressing Win + E on your keyboard.
This will allow you to navigate through your computer’s files and folders to find the specific cache locations for Discord.
Step 3: Navigate to the Discord Cache Folder
Go to the address bar in File Explorer and type %appdata%discordCache.
Press Enter to directly access the folder that contains the cache files for Discord. This is where all the temporary files are stored.
Step 4: Select All Files
Press Ctrl + A to select all files within the Cache folder.
Selecting all the files ensures that you don’t miss any data that needs to be cleared out. It also speeds up the process since you won’t have to manually choose each file.
Step 5: Delete the Cache Files
Press Shift + Delete to permanently delete the selected files.
By using Shift + Delete, you ensure that the files are permanently removed from your system, rather than just being moved to the Recycle Bin, which saves more space immediately.
Step 6: Clear Cache in Other Folders
Repeat the process for the Code Cache and GPUCache folders located in the %appdata%discord directory.
Clearing these additional cache folders ensures that all possible temporary files are removed, giving you the most optimized version of Discord.
After you complete these steps, Discord will recreate the cache files the next time it runs. This removes any corrupted or outdated files and can improve the app’s performance and reliability.
Tips for Clearing Discord Cache on Windows 11
- Clear cache regularly: Doing this periodically can help maintain Discord’s performance.
- Backup important data: Before making any changes, back up essential files to avoid accidental loss.
- Use disk cleanup tools: These tools can automate the process of clearing cache and other temporary files.
- Restart Discord: After clearing the cache, restart Discord to ensure everything is functioning properly.
- Monitor performance: Keep an eye on Discord’s performance to gauge if clearing the cache has helped.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of clearing Discord cache?
Clearing the cache helps remove outdated or corrupted files, which can improve Discord’s performance and free up storage space.
Is it safe to delete the Discord cache?
Yes, it’s safe. The files in the cache are temporary and will be recreated by Discord as needed.
How often should I clear my Discord cache?
It’s a good practice to clear your cache every few months or if you notice performance issues.
Will clearing the cache delete my Discord conversations?
No, clearing the cache will not delete your conversations. It only removes temporary files.
Can I automate cache clearing?
Yes, you can use third-party disk cleanup tools to schedule regular cache clearing.
Summary of Steps to Clear Discord Cache on Windows 11
- Completely exit Discord
- Open File Explorer
- Navigate to the Discord Cache folder
- Select all files
- Delete the cache files
- Clear cache in other folders
Conclusion
Clearing the Discord cache on Windows 11 is a straightforward process that can significantly improve the app’s performance and free up valuable storage space. By regularly clearing out these temporary files, you ensure that Discord runs smoothly and efficiently. Follow the steps outlined above and consider incorporating the tips and FAQs into your routine to keep your Discord experience glitch-free.
Whether you’re a casual user or a power user, maintaining your app’s performance is crucial. So, take a few minutes today to clear your Discord cache and enjoy a better, faster chat experience. For further reading, consider exploring how to optimize other applications on your Windows 11 system for better performance.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.