Most Windows users tend to ignore the system drive. The truth is, cleaning Appdata gives more storage space besides freeing up HDD or SSD. However, tasks on the C: drive require attention due to the impact on other important applications. On the bright side, Our Trustguide team provides necessary information about the Appdata folder – how to clean Appdata below.
What Is Appdata Folder?
- Microsoft launched AppData from Windows Vista and kept it until the latest version of Win 11. It acts as an indispensable component of the operating system for each user.
- Simply put, it contains the files, settings, and data of all the apps on your device. By the address C:\Users\<username>\AppData, you find it as a hidden folder.
- Once you access it, it possesses three subdirectories, including:
- Local: keeps settings and temporary files associated with the PC
- LocalLow: saves cache data from multiple available sources with limited security
- Roaming: holds important files to transfer to another device through a user account.
Where And How To Find Appdata Folder?
Users can follow the address mentioned above to reach AppData. However, the first thing is to show hidden files. Perform these manual steps as follow:
- Step 1: Launch This PC
- Step 2: Tap on View and select Show > Hidden Items
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- Step 3: Navigate to C drive and open the User folder. Access the option with your username. Select the Appdata folder displayed as a transparent icon.
Note: Feel free to paste the exact version of C:\Users\<username>\AppData into the address bar of File Explorer and go to it instantly.
Besides, there is another method without manipulating hidden files. Here is how to do it:
- Step 1: Launch the Run dialog box by the Windows + R key combination
- Step 2: Type %APPDATA% and press Enter. Windows will take you to the exact location right after that.
What Happens If You Delete Appdata Folder?
Many users are never aware of Appdata, as Microsoft hides it by default. However, applications leave their traces (cache, application settings, temporary files, and configuration files) in this folder. The disappearance of Appdata means resetting essential information. For instance, your user profile is removed from the browser.
Your interference may result in serious consequences for other applications. They work as a system, so an improper removal is similar to a missing link. Worst of all, your PC is ruined. Of course, no one feels satisfied with this lousy scenario.
How To Clean Appdata: Proper Solutions
Even if you uninstall an application, some settings may remain in Appdata. The more you download, the larger and unchecked this folder becomes. Here is what you should do to get this expansion under control.
Method #1: Deleting Temp Folder By File Explorer
- Step 1: Transfer to the Appdata folder by the command C:\Users\<username>\AppData
- Step 2: Go for AppData \ Local \ Temp and delete manually. DO NOT use Shift + Delete, as this key combination harms other applications.
Method #2: Deleting Temp Folder By Settings Menu
- Step 1: Proceed Win + I to reach System. Tap on Storage
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- Step 2: Wait for the calculation of all categories and choose Temporary files.
- Step 3: A new screen appears. Then tick Temporary Internet Files and Temporary Files.
- Step 4: Select Remove Files and the system will do its job.
If you feel insecure with the first two tasks, transferring Appdata to another location may help. This action keeps the data intact and frees up system space. Refer to the following solutions.
Methos #3: Moving The Roaming Folder
- Step 1: Launch the Appdata as mentioned above. Conduct right-click on Roaming to open the Properties box.
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- Step 2: Select Location and replace the old address with a new one
- Step 3: Press Move.
Method #4: Moving Temp Folder
- Step 1: Make another Temp folder on drive D or any non-system one
- Step 2: Choose Win + R and enter the command sysdm.cpl to visit System Properties
- Step 3: Select Advanced and tap on Environment Variables
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- Step 4: Click TEMP and select Edit
- Step 5: In the Variable value row, enter the address of the folder created earlier
- Step 6: Go to Command Prompt and enter “mklink/d C:\Users\%UserName%\AppData X:\username\appdata”. Type the letter of the specified drive in the X position
- Step 7: Log in with a new profile.
Conclusion
If your situation is not urgent, please do not visit this private folder. In other crucial cases, it is best not to mess up or ruin its key components. Our article has provided everything you should know about the Appdata folder – how to clean Appdata. Follow our detailed guide to protect your PC.
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