The Tool Desk
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What clearing the RedM cache actually does
RedM stores temporary browser data, subprocess data, server downloads and interface data in its local data directory. Those files can become stale or corrupted after a RedM update, a server resource change or an interrupted download. Removing the temporary folders forces RedM to create clean copies and download server resources again when you reconnect.
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This is a client-side repair. It does not uninstall RedM, remove Red Dead Redemption 2, reset your server account or erase a server’s data. It also is not a guaranteed fix for every crash or loading problem. If the problem is caused by damaged base game files, an outdated client or a server-side fault, cache deletion alone will not solve it.
Before deleting anything
Close RedM and its background processes
Exit RedM normally, then open Windows Task Manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc. In the Processes or Details view, end any remaining RedM.exe and CitizenFX processes. A running process can keep files locked, leaving part of the cache undeleted or producing an access-denied message.
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Back up personal customizations
Cache folders are disposable, but custom files are not necessarily so. Copy any customized keybind file (including a modified client.lua where applicable), saved server-favorites data and custom user-interface modifications to another folder before you start. Do not assume that every file under data is temporary.
Have your login and server details available
After cleanup, RedM may rebuild local data and download server resources again. Keep your usual server names, connection details and any required authentication information available. A first launch can take considerably longer than normal while this work is performed.
Find the RedM data folder
The commonly reported current location is:
%LOCALAPPDATA%RedMRedM.appdata
The quickest way to open it is to press Windows + R, enter %localappdata%, and select OK. In File Explorer, open RedM, then RedM.app, then data.
Why your path may look different
RedM builds and older installations have used more than one folder name. You may see a path based on AppDataLocalRedMRedM.appdataserver-cache, or an older RedM Application Datadata directory. Older instructions may mention only %LOCALAPPDATA%RedM and a cache directory below it.
Use the data directory that contains the folders listed in the next section. Do not delete a similarly named directory merely because a guide shows a different path. If none of the expected folders exists, start RedM once, close it completely, and check the location again; an installation may have created its data directory under a different RedM application name.
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Folders that are safe to clear for a client-cache reset
| Folder | What it generally contains | Action |
|---|---|---|
cachebrowser |
RedM’s cached browser content | Delete the folder and its contents |
cachesubprocess |
Temporary subprocess data | Delete the folder and its contents |
server-cache |
Downloaded resources for servers you have joined | Delete the folder and its contents |
server-cache-priv |
Private server-cache data | Delete the folder and its contents |
nui-storage |
Cached NUI (in-game interface) storage | Delete the folder and its contents |
cachegame |
Base Red Dead Redemption 2 assets, reported at roughly 4–8 GB | Keep it |
The first five entries are the temporary areas normally removed during a RedM cache reset. The cachegame directory is different: it contains base game assets rather than ordinary server cache. Removing it can trigger a large re-download or prevent RedM from launching until the assets are restored. If a folder is not present on your installation, skip it rather than substituting another directory.
Manual cache-clearing procedure
- Quit RedM. Close the client and confirm that no RedM window remains open.
- End locked processes. In Task Manager, end every remaining
RedM.exeandCitizenFXprocess. - Open Local AppData. Press
Windows+R, type%localappdata%, and choose OK. - Open the data directory. Browse to
RedMRedM.appdata, or to the equivalentRedM Application Datadatalocation used by an older installation. - Check the contents before deleting. Confirm that the directory contains some of the expected cache folders. This protects you from acting on the wrong RedM or game directory.
- Delete only the temporary folders. Remove
cachebrowser,cachesubprocess,server-cache,server-cache-privandnui-storage. You can select each folder and pressShift+Delete, or move it to the Recycle Bin if you want an easy recovery option. - Leave base assets alone. Do not remove
cachegame, the game installation directory or personal files you backed up. - Launch RedM again. Start the client normally and reconnect to the affected server. RedM will recreate missing temporary folders and download the server resources it needs.
What to expect after the cleanup
The first launch may be slow
A slower first start is normal because RedM has to rebuild local data. Joining a server can also take longer while its resources are downloaded again. Later launches should use the newly created cache instead of repeating the entire process.
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Your server resources will return as needed
Deleting server-cache and server-cache-priv removes local copies, not the resources hosted by a server. RedM obtains those files again when you connect. The exact download size and time depend on the servers you use and the resources they publish.
Do not judge the result by disk space alone
Temporary folders can occupy substantial space, but the reported 4–8 GB figure applies to the cachegame base-asset directory, which you should retain. Clearing the listed temporary folders may free less space than expected while still fixing stale or damaged client data.
If Windows will not let you delete a folder
- Return to Task Manager and check again for
RedM.exeandCitizenFX. - Close File Explorer windows currently displaying a file inside the target folder.
- Retry the deletion after signing out of Windows or restarting the computer if a process remains hidden.
- Do not take ownership of unrelated system folders or delete the entire RedM directory just to bypass a lock.
If only one cache folder is locked, clear the other listed folders and restart Windows before trying that folder again. A locked file usually indicates that RedM or one of its helper processes did not exit cleanly.
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When clearing the cache does not fix the problem
RedM still crashes or refuses to start
One troubleshooting procedure recommends removing caches.xml together with the cache data, then trying again. Treat this as a second-line step: close RedM first, keep your personal backups, and remove only the file and cache directories associated with the RedM data folder. If the client still fails, the cause may be outside the temporary cache.
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Verify the base game installation
Use the file-verification function in the launcher that owns your Red Dead Redemption 2 installation, such as Steam, Epic Games or the Rockstar Games launcher. Verification replaces damaged or missing base files; it does not clear RedM’s server cache. Do not delete cachegame as a substitute for verification.
Update RedM and the game
An old RedM build or an out-of-date game installation can continue to crash after a successful cache reset. Install available RedM updates and bring the underlying game up to date through its normal launcher. Retry the server only after both clients have finished updating.
Separate client faults from server faults
If RedM launches and other servers work but one server still fails, the remaining issue may be that server’s resource or configuration. Cache deletion cannot repair a server-side script, an unavailable resource or an account restriction. Note whether the failure follows you to every server or occurs only on one before performing more local deletions.
If you operate the affected RedM server and the problem is on the host side, Godlike.Host provides RedM game servers with its own game panel. It is not on Cfx.re’s list of authorized RedM hosts (redm.net, 10 Oct 2026).
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Automatic and third-party clearing options
Manual deletion gives you the clearest control over what is removed. Community tools can save time, but they introduce a trust and maintenance decision that does not exist when you use File Explorer.
| Method | Advantages | Risks and checks |
|---|---|---|
| Manual deletion in File Explorer | You see each folder, can preserve backups and can leave cachegame untouched. |
Requires the correct path and careful folder selection. |
| Community RedM Launcher by RWELabs | Described as clearing server-cache and server-cache-priv before launch, reducing repeated manual work. | It is third-party open-source software; its maintenance status in 2026 has not been verified. Inspect the project and release before installing. |
| Standalone cleaner utilities | Projects such as sdmactech/RedMCacheCleanern and Madgrimmrock/MGR-CacheCleaner are described as automated RedM server-cache cleaners. |
Review the source, permissions, release history and antivirus results. A cleaner that removes the wrong directory can cause a re-download or a broken launch. |
Do not run an automated cleaner while RedM is open. Confirm which folders it targets, whether it preserves cachegame, and whether it has been updated for your installed RedM layout. If you cannot establish those points, the manual procedure is the safer choice.
How often should you clear the cache?
Use cache clearing as a targeted troubleshooting step, not as a routine requirement. It is reasonable after a persistent loading loop, missing server interface elements, repeated resource-download errors or a crash that began after a server or RedM update. If RedM and your servers work normally, deleting the cache only creates extra downloads and longer next launches.
Before repeating the procedure, record what changed: whether every server is affected, whether the issue began after an update and whether verification reported damaged game files. That information helps distinguish a local cache problem from a game-installation or server problem.
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteQuick Recap
Quick checklist
- RedM and all
RedM.exe/CitizenFXprocesses are closed. - Custom keybinds, favorites and UI modifications are backed up.
- The data folder has been confirmed for this RedM installation.
cachebrowser,cachesubprocess,server-cache,server-cache-privandnui-storageare the only cache areas selected.cachegameremains in place.- The first relaunch and server connection are allowed extra time for rebuilding and downloads.
- If the fault remains,
caches.xmlremoval, base-game verification and RedM updates are considered in that order.
