Is It Safe to Delete Temp (%temp%)?

What is the Temp folder?

Windows actually has two primary temporary folders: the system temp folder (C:\Windows\Temp) and the user temp folder (accessed by typing %temp% in the Run dialog). Both serve the same purpose: they are a dumping ground for temporary files generated by your operating system and installed software.

Why Does It Exist?

When you download a .zip file and extract it, when you install a new video game, or when an application like Microsoft Word autosaves a backup of your document, the computer writes those temporary working files to the Temp folder.

Once the installation finishes or the program closes normally, it is supposed to delete those files automatically. However, when software crashes, is poorly coded, or is force-quit, it leaves the files behind, causing the folder to bloat infinitely over time.

Can You Delete It?

Yes, it is entirely safe to delete the contents of the Temp folder.

It is one of the oldest and most reliable PC maintenance tricks in the book. Deleting these files will not harm your software or your Windows installation.

How to Delete It

1. Press the Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type %temp% and press Enter. (This opens C:\Users\YourName\AppData\Local\Temp).
3. Press Ctrl + A to select every single file and folder.
4. Press Shift + Delete to permanently delete them.
5. Important: You will almost certainly get a “File In Use” error for a few files. This is normal! It just means an app is currently using that specific file right now. Check the box that says “Do this for all current items” and click Skip.

What Happens If You Delete It?

You will instantly reclaim all the wasted storage space. The files you skipped will remain, keeping your currently running apps completely stable. Your computer might feel slightly snappier if your hard drive was critically full, but deleting temp files does not natively increase your CPU or RAM speed.

Bottom Line

Emptying the %temp% folder is a harmless, highly recommended monthly maintenance task to recover lost storage space on your Windows PC.