How to Clear Excel Temp Files: 3 Quick Methods

Method 1: Using Excel Options dialog box to Clear Temp Files

Steps:

  • Select File > Options option. Press the Ctrl + T keys to open the Excel Options dialog box.

  • A dialog box called Excel Options will appear.
  • Click on the Advanced option.
  • Scroll down with your mouse for the Display section.
  • Decrease the number of the Show this number of Recent Workbooks to 0.
  • Click OK.

Reducing Recent Workbooks Number from Advanced Option to Clear Excel Temp Files

  • The temp file will not stay longer on your device.

Method 2 – Clearing Excel Temp Files with ‘Win+R’ Key

Steps:

  • Press the ‘Win+R’ on keyboard.

  • A small dialog box called Run will appear.
  • Write down the following command in that dialog box.

%temp%

  • Click OK.

Launching Run window

  • Another window will open with the Temp folder.
  • Press ‘Ctrl+A’ to select all the files and press Delete.

clear excel temp files

  • You will get all the temp files cleared from your computer.

Method 3 – Deleting All Excel Temp Files Manually

3.1 Windows 11

Steps:

  • Go to the C-Drive of your computer.

  • Double-click to enter the Windows folder.

Entering into the Windows folder

  • Scroll down with your mouse and double-click on the Temp folder.

  • Press ‘Ctrl+A’ to select all the files and press the Delete key.

clear excel temp files

  • You will notice all the temp files cleared from your computer.

3.2 Windows 10

Steps:

  • Go to the C-Drive of your computer.
  • Go to the Temp folder of a local user. We are using a local profile named Asus the pathway should be as follows:
C:\Users\Asus\AppData\Local\Temp
  • Press ‘Ctrl+A’ to select all the files and press the Delete key on the keyboard.

clear excel temp files

  • You will see all the temp files cleared from your computer.

3.3 Windows 8/7/Vista

Steps:

  • Go to the C-Drive of your computer.
  • Go to the Temp folder of a local user. We are using a local profile named Asus the pathway should be as follows:
C:\Users\Asus\AppData\Local\Temp
  • Press ‘Ctrl+A’ to select all the files and press the Delete key.

clear excel temp files

  • Notice all the temp files cleared from your computer.

Our approach works fruitfully, and we can clear Excel temp files from the Windows 7/8/Vista operating system.


3.4 Windows XP

Steps:

  • Go to the C-Drive of your computer.
  • Follow the following pathway to go to the Temp folder.
C:\Documents and Settings\UserName\Local Settings\Temp
  • Press ‘Ctrl+A’ to select all the files and press Delete.

clear excel temp files

  • You will see that all the temp files cleared from your computer.

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Soumik Dutta
Soumik Dutta

Soumik Dutta, having earned a BSc in Naval Architecture & Engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, plays a key role as an Excel & VBA Content Developer at ExcelDemy. Driven by a profound passion for research and innovation, he actively immerses himself in Excel. In his role, Soumik not only skillfully addresses complex challenges but also demonstrates enthusiasm and expertise in gracefully navigating tough situations, underscoring his unwavering commitment to consistently deliver exceptional, high-quality content that... Read Full Bio

2 Comments
  1. my excel cache was huge also: took all day for it to open, etc…
    it’s here: C:\Users\username\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Office\16.0\OfficeFileCache

    • Reply Abrar-ur-Rahman Niloy
      Abrar-ur-Rahman Niloy May 8, 2023 at 4:34 PM

      Thanks again, there seems to be some cache from the recently opened office files in the location. Deleting them would certainly help.

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