If you’re a Windows 10 user, you may have noticed that your Outlook application can sometimes run slow or freeze up. This can be frustrating, especially if you rely on Outlook for your daily work tasks. One of the main causes of this issue is a large cache size. In this article, we will discuss how to clear the Outlook cache in Windows 10 to improve the performance of your application.
What is a cache?
Before we dive into how to clear the Outlook cache, let’s first understand what a cache is. A cache is a temporary storage location that stores frequently used data for quick access. In the case of Outlook, the cache stores email attachments, images, and other data to make it easier and faster to access them in the future. However, over time, this cache can become too large and cause performance issues.
Clearing the Outlook cache in Windows 10
To clear the Outlook cache in Windows 10, follow these steps:
Step 1: Close Outlook
Before you can clear the cache, you must first close the Outlook application. This will ensure that all the cache files are not in use and can be deleted.
Step 2: Open the Run dialog box
To open the Run dialog box, press the Windows key + R on your keyboard. This will open a small window where you can type in commands.
Step 3: Type in “%localappdata%\Microsoft\Outlook” and press Enter
This command will take you to the location where the Outlook cache files are stored.
Step 4: Delete the contents of the folder
Once you are in the Outlook folder, you will see a list of files. Select all the files by pressing Ctrl + A on your keyboard, and then press the Delete key. This will delete all the cache files.
Step 5: Empty the Recycle Bin
After deleting the cache files, you will need to empty your Recycle Bin to permanently remove them from your computer.
Step 6: Restart Outlook
Now that the cache has been cleared, you can restart Outlook and notice the improved performance.
Other ways to clear the Outlook cache
Aside from manually deleting the cache files, there are other ways to clear the Outlook cache in Windows 10. These include:
Using the Outlook Options menu
You can also clear the cache through the Outlook Options menu. To do this, open Outlook and go to File > Options > Advanced. Under the “Outlook start and exit” section, click on the “Empty Auto-Complete List” button.
Using the Outlook Safe Mode
Another way to clear the cache is by opening Outlook in Safe Mode. This will disable all add-ins and extensions, which can sometimes cause issues with the cache. To open Outlook in Safe Mode, press and hold the Ctrl key while opening the application.
Conclusion
Clearing the Outlook cache in Windows 10 is a simple process that can greatly improve the performance of your application. By following these steps, you can ensure that your Outlook runs smoothly and efficiently. Have you tried any of these methods? Let us know in the comments.
