Bottom Line: It is 100% safe to delete Vortex temp files and uninstalled mod archives. Clearing leftover mod installer-folder)-folder)-folder)-folder)-folder)-folder)-folder)-folder)-folder)-folder) zips will NOT uninstall active game mods or corrupt savegames.
What are Vortex Temp & Download Cache Folders?
Located at %AppData%\Vortex\temp and %AppData%\Vortex\downloads on Windows, these folders are used by Vortex (the official mod manager for Nexus Mods).
When downloading mods for Skyrim, Fallout, Cyberpunk 2077, or Starfield, Vortex saves compressed mod archive files (.zip, .7z, .rar). Once Vortex extracts and deploys the mod into your game directory, the original archive zip file remains saved in the download cache indefinitely.
Over hundreds of installed game mods, obsolete archive files take up 10 GB to 40 GB+.
Can You Delete Vortex Temp & Downloads?
✅ Yes, it is completely safe to delete.
- Active mods stay working: Deleting mod installer zips does not break installed mods in your game folder.
- Redownload anytime: Installed mods remain registered in your Vortex profile, and original archives can be re-downloaded from Nexus Mods anytime.
How to Safely Clean Up Vortex Cache
Method 1: Delete Archives inside Vortex App (Recommended)
- Open Vortex Mod Manager.
- Click Mods tab.
- Select uninstalled or outdated mods, click Remove at the bottom toolbar, and check Remove Archive.
Method 2: Manual Temp Folder Purge
- Close Vortex.
- Press
Win + R, type%AppData%\Vortex, and press Enter. - Delete all files inside the
tempsubfolder.
Related Guides
- Learn about deleting CurseForge modpack cache.
- How to clean up Minecraft logs.
- Check if you can clean Steam shadercache.
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