CryptnetUrlCache Folder (%LocalAppData%\Microsoft\CryptnetUrlCache)

Bottom Line: It is 100% safe to delete the CryptnetUrlCache folder. Deleting it will not break Windows security or remove your personal SSL certificate files.

What is the CryptnetUrlCache Folder?

Located at %LocalAppData%\Microsoft\CryptnetUrlCache (and inside %WinDir%\System32\config\systemprofile\AppData\Local\CryptnetUrlCache), this system folder is created by Windows CryptoAPI.

When your web browser or Windows applications open HTTPS websites, Windows checks the SSL/TLS certificate against online Certificate Revocation Lists (CRL). Windows caches these CRL lists and certificate authority files inside CryptnetUrlCache to avoid re-downloading certificate validations every time you connect.

Can You Delete CryptnetUrlCache?

✅ Yes, it is completely safe to delete.

• No security risk: Windows continues to validate digital signatures securely.
• Auto-rebuilds: Windows CryptoAPI will re-download clean, up-to-date certificate revocation lists as needed.
• Solves SSL errors: Clearing CryptnetUrlCache is a well-known fix when Windows applications throw ERR_CERT_REVOKED or certificate validation errors.

How to Delete CryptnetUrlCache

Method 1: Delete via Windows File Explorer

1. Press Win + R, type %LocalAppData%\Microsoft, and press Enter.
2. Locate CryptnetUrlCache.
3. Open CryptnetUrlCache and delete the Content and MetaData subfolders.

Method 2: Delete via Command Prompt (Admin)

rmdir /s /q %LocalAppData%\Microsoft\CryptnetUrlCache\Content
rmdir /s /q %LocalAppData%\Microsoft\CryptnetUrlCache\MetaData

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