Clearing a game cache removes temporary files so the game or launcher can recreate them. It can help with failed updates, stale launcher data, launch errors, cloud-sync problems, and some crashes—but it is not a universal FPS booster or a cure for server outages, damaged saves, incompatible mods, failing hardware, or every corrupted installation.
The safest rule is simple: use the platform’s specific Clear cache option, and never confuse it with Clear storage, Reset, Delete saved data, or deleting arbitrary folders. Ordinary cache clearing is designed to remove temporary data; the other options may remove settings, login information, local progress, or installed files.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What a game cache actually is
“Cache” is an umbrella term, not one universal folder. Depending on the platform, it may mean:
Recommended Free Tools
- Launcher or download cache: temporary data used for downloads, updates, authentication, storefront pages, or cloud synchronization.
- Game-specific temporary files: shader, texture, configuration, or web data generated by an individual game.
- Device or app cache: temporary files managed by Android, Windows, or a console.
- Installed-file integrity data: files checked by a launcher’s verification tool. This is not the same as deleting temporary cache.
Saved games, profiles, screenshots, and account data are separate categories, but the boundary varies by game and platform. Treat any control named Delete saved data, Clear storage, Reset app, or Delete local files as potentially destructive.
#1 Best Overall
- Get NVMe solid state performance with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds in a portable, high-capacity drive(1) (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device & other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance mean this tough drive can take a beating(3) (Previously rated for 2-meter drop protection and IP55 rating. Now qualified for the higher, stated specs.)
- Use the handy carabiner loop to secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind.
- Help keep private content private with the included password protection featuring 256‐bit AES hardware encryption.(3)
- Easily manage files and automatically free up space with the SanDisk Memory Zone app.(5). Non-Operating Temperature -20°C to 85°C
Epic identifies cache clearing as a possible fix for launcher and game launch, connection, and synchronization problems (Epic Games support). For missing or damaged installation files, use file verification instead.
When clearing cache is worth trying
Try the relevant cache when:
- A game or launcher will not start.
- An update or download repeatedly fails or gets stuck.
- The launcher displays incomplete or outdated information.
- New content, textures, or menus do not appear after an update.
- The game crashes during startup or loading.
- Online features fail even though your internet connection works elsewhere.
- Cloud synchronization appears stuck.
- A temporary graphics problem begins immediately after an update.
Cache clearing is unlikely to help when the cause is a server outage, an outdated operating system or graphics driver, insufficient hardware, an incompatible mod or overlay, a nearly full or failing drive, overheating, unstable overclocking, an account restriction, or a damaged save.
Before you clear anything
- Record the symptom. Note the exact error, when it began, and whether it affects one game, multiple games, one account, or every account on the device.
- Close the game and launcher completely. On a console, use a full shutdown when the platform procedure calls for it rather than leaving the game suspended. On Android, force-stop an unresponsive app only when normal closing fails (Google’s Android troubleshooting guidance).
- Confirm your saves are synchronized. Wait for cloud synchronization to finish and back up local saves where the platform permits it. Cloud saves are not proof that every local save has uploaded successfully.
- Choose the smallest relevant target. Do not clear every cache at once. Start with the launcher cache for launcher or download problems, and the game or device cache for game-specific temporary-data problems.
Do not select Clear storage, Reset, Delete saved data, or Delete local files unless you deliberately intend to reset data and have a confirmed backup.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchThe safest troubleshooting order
- Restart the game and device.
- Install available game and system updates.
- Clear the relevant cache.
- Launch once and allow temporary resources to rebuild.
- Verify or repair installed files.
- Disable mods, overlays, and recently added third-party tools.
- Check free storage, drivers, hardware temperatures, and the publisher’s service-status page.
- Reinstall only after confirming account access and save backups.
Steam on Windows or macOS
Clear Steam’s download cache
- Open Steam.
- Select Steam in the upper-left corner.
- Open Settings and select Downloads.
- Choose Clear Download Cache and confirm.
- Sign in again if Steam requests it.
This targets Steam’s download and update data; it does not repair damaged game files. Clearing it can sign you out, so reauthentication is expected (publisher guidance on Steam download-cache clearing).
Verify installed files
- Open Library.
- Right-click the game and select Properties.
- Select Installed Files.
- Choose Verify integrity of game files.
- Wait for the scan and any replacement downloads to finish.
Use verification when the game reports missing files, crashes after an update, or will not launch. Current Steam wording is Installed Files and Verify integrity of game files; older guides may say Local Files or Verify integrity of game cache (Steam’s current instructions).
Rank #2
- Capacity Display Variance: 500GB external ssd often appears as around 465GB on Windows. MacOS can show full 500 GB capacity. This is binary calculation difference and doesn’t affect SSD hard drive actual physical storage
- 1050 MB/s Speed: Instantly access to your files with blazing-fast 10Gbps external SSD read up to 1050MB/s and write up to 1000MB/s. LED Light indicates USB SSD instant activity
- Data Security: Solid state drives S.M.A.R.T. health diagnostics and adaptive TRIM optimizing data block management ensures consistent write speeds and extends the longevity of the portable SSD
- USB-C & USB-A Cable: Both cables featuring rapid USB 3.2 Gen2, this USB SSD effortlessly bridges devices, enabling seamless cross-platform file transfers and backup between computers, smartphones, tablets and iPhone
- Always Fast: No slowdowns for large file transfers. With SLC caching (25% of current available capacity allocated as high-speed cache), this external SSD delivers steady 10Gbps for transfers within the cache capacity
A verification result that some files failed validation does not always indicate a serious problem. Some games keep local configuration files that are not meant to be replaced, as noted in publisher troubleshooting guidance.
Epic Games Launcher on Windows
Clear the launcher web cache
- Exit Epic Games Launcher completely. Check the Windows notification area and exit it there if it is still running.
- Press Windows key + R.
- Enter
%localappdata%and press Enter. - Open
EpicGamesLauncherSaved. - Delete only these folders if they are present:
webcache,webcache_4147, andwebcache_4430. - Restart the launcher.
Folder names may change with launcher updates. Do not delete unrelated folders under AppData. Use Epic’s current launcher-cache procedure if your installation differs.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Verify an Epic game
Open the game’s three-dot menu, choose Manage, then select Verify. Epic’s launcher-cache and game-file verification controls solve different problems; the exact layout may change.
PlayStation
PlayStation 5
- Turn the PS5 fully off.
- Start it in Safe Mode.
- Connect the controller with a USB cable.
- Select Clear Cache and Rebuild Database.
- Choose the cache-clearing option first.
Use database rebuilding only when appropriate and after reading PlayStation’s warning. It is a troubleshooting operation, not routine performance maintenance. Do not confuse it with reinstalling system software or deleting saved data. See PlayStation’s Safe Mode and system-software guidance and game-launch troubleshooting.
PlayStation 4
The PS4 does not expose the same straightforward cache menu as the PS5. A publisher-documented troubleshooting procedure is to turn the PS4 completely off, wait until the indicator stops flashing, disconnect the power cable for at least 30 seconds, reconnect it, and restart (Activision’s PS4 cache guidance).
Rank #3
- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
This is not the same as deleting PS4 saved data. Deleting saved game files is permanent; back them up first.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Xbox
Xbox cache controls and power-cycle instructions vary between Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and the Xbox app on Windows. Do not assume that every model has a visible Clear cache menu, and do not use a generic unplugging procedure as though it were a universal Microsoft command.
Use the current Microsoft/Xbox support instructions for your exact model. Before deleting local game data, confirm cloud-save synchronization and distinguish power cycling from deleting saved data. If you are using the Xbox app on Windows, also consider the Windows Repair option described below.
Nintendo Switch and Switch 2
Menu wording differs between Nintendo hardware generations and system versions. Use the current Nintendo instructions for the exact console before proceeding. The important distinction is:
- Clear cache: removes temporary cached information.
- Delete save data: can permanently remove progress.
- Delete downloaded software: removes the installation and is a separate action from deleting saves.
Do not infer that a control is harmless merely because it contains the word “data.” Confirm the current menu and save-data behavior for your console first.
Rank #4
- MADE FOR THE MAKERS: Create; Explore; Store; The T7 Portable SSD delivers fast speeds and durable features to back up any endeavor; Build your video editing empire, file your photographs or back up your blogs all in an instant
- SHARE IDEAS IN A FLASH: Don’t waste a second waiting and spend more time doing; The T7 is embedded with PCIe NVMe technology that brings fast read and write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s¹, making it almost twice as fast as the T5
- ALWAYS MAKE THE SAVE: Compact design with massive capacity; With capacities up to 4TB, save exactly what you need to your drive – from large working files to game data and everything in between
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether using a PC or mobile phone, count on the T7 for extensive compatibility²; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- HI RESOLUTION VIDEO RECORDING: Record Ultra High Resolution (4K 60fs) videos directly onto the T7 Portable SSD with your favorite camera or mobile devices; Supports iPhone 15 Pro Res 4K at 60fps video and more³
Android phones and tablets
- Open Settings.
- Select Apps or Applications.
- Select the game.
- Open Storage or Storage & cache.
- Tap Clear cache.
- Relaunch the game.
Names vary by manufacturer and Android version. Google distinguishes Clear cache, which removes temporary data, from Clear storage, which permanently deletes app data (Google’s Android storage guidance).
The game may take longer to open or download assets again while rebuilding temporary data. Clearing cache may not free space permanently because the cache can grow again. Never use Clear storage/data unless you have confirmed where the game stores progress and that it is backed up.
iPhone and iPad
iOS does not provide a universal, Android-style Clear cache button for every game. Start with any cache-clearing control inside the game, then force-close and reopen it, install game and iOS updates, and check the game’s account or cloud-save status.
Offload App or deleting and reinstalling the game may be appropriate later, but do not assume that reinstalling preserves local progress. Confirm that the save is linked to an account or backed up before removing the app.
Windows Store and Xbox app games
Windows’ Repair and Reset controls are app-recovery tools, not ordinary game-cache commands:
Best Value
- Capacity Display Variance: 250GB external ssd often appears as around 232GB on Windows. MacOS can show full 250 GB capacity. This is binary calculation difference and doesn’t affect SSD hard drive actual physical storage
- 1050 MB/s Speed: Instantly access to your files with blazing-fast 10Gbps external SSD read up to 1050MB/s and write up to 1000MB/s. LED Light indicates USB SSD instant activity
- Data Security: Solid state drives S.M.A.R.T. health diagnostics and adaptive TRIM optimizing data block management ensures consistent write speeds and extends the longevity of the portable SSD
- USB-C & USB-A Cable: Both cables featuring rapid USB 3.2 Gen2, this USB SSD effortlessly bridges devices, enabling seamless cross-platform file transfers and backup between computers, smartphones, tablets and iPhone
- Always Fast: No slowdowns for large file transfers. With SLC caching (25% of current available capacity allocated as high-speed cache), this external SSD delivers steady 10Gbps for transfers within the cache capacity
- Open Start > Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
- Select the app.
- Open Advanced options.
- Choose Repair first.
- Use Reset only if necessary and after checking its data implications.
Microsoft notes that these options are not available for every desktop app. Reset may remove app data (Microsoft’s app-repair guidance).
For Microsoft Store download problems, press Windows key + R, enter wsreset.exe, and press Enter. This resets the Microsoft Store cache; it is not a general cache-clearing command for every Windows game. Microsoft also documents built-in storage cleanup tools such as Storage Sense.
What happens after clearing cache?
- The first launch may be slower: the game or launcher may regenerate temporary files, shaders, or other resources.
- You may be signed out: Steam’s download-cache reset can require you to log in again.
- Files may download again: this can be normal after a cache reset or verification. Check that the launcher is repairing data rather than removing the whole installation.
- Storage may not stay free: rebuilt cache files can grow again.
Allow one complete launch before judging the result. Avoid repeatedly clearing the cache on a schedule; use it when symptoms justify it.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →If clearing cache did not work
- Verify or repair the installation. Use Steam’s file verification or Epic’s Manage > Verify.
- Update everything relevant. Install game, operating-system, console, and—on PC—GPU-driver updates.
- Remove variables. Disable mods, overlays, injectors, and recently installed utilities.
- Check storage and hardware. Free space, overheating, unstable overclocking, and a failing drive can all look like software trouble.
- Check service status. If a publisher’s servers are down or authentication is failing for everyone, local cache clearing will not restore service.
- Reinstall last. Confirm account access and back up local saves first. Reinstallation does not guarantee recovery of an unbacked-up local save.
- Contact support. Give the publisher or platform the exact error, device model, game version, recent changes, and steps already attempted.
Common failure modes
The cache folder is missing
Do not create a replacement folder or delete neighboring directories. The cache may not exist yet, may use another name, or may have moved after a client update. Follow the platform’s current instructions.
Progress appears to be missing
Stop troubleshooting and avoid launching in a way that could overwrite files. Check cloud-save history, platform backups, account-linked progression, and the game developer’s recovery instructions. Do not assume recovery is possible.
The problem returns immediately
A persistent damaged installation, broken update, mod, overlay, driver conflict, storage problem, account issue, or server problem is more likely than a temporary cache fault. Move to verification and the escalation steps above.
Should you use a third-party game cleaner?
No. Built-in platform tools and official launcher controls are sufficient for the procedures in this guide. Registry cleaners, “gaming boosters,” and cache optimizers may remove settings or save-related files, interfere with mods and launchers, and cannot fix server outages, incompatible drivers, damaged hardware, or a broken installation. Use first-party tools and exact game-developer instructions instead.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
