What To Know
- Clearing cache can be a helpful step in troubleshooting various problems, such as app errors or website loading issues.
- Find the app you want to clear the cache for and click on it.
- By following these steps, you can effectively clear the cache on your Surface Go, reclaim valuable storage space, and enjoy a smoother, faster user experience.
Are you experiencing sluggish performance on your Surface Go? Does it take forever to load apps or browse the web? A cluttered cache might be the culprit! This comprehensive guide will walk you through how to clear cache on Surface Go, restoring its speed and efficiency.
Understanding Cache: The Hidden Storage Space
Before diving into the clearing process, let’s understand what cache is and why it matters. Essentially, cache is a temporary storage area on your device that stores frequently accessed data. This includes website files, app data, and other temporary files. While cache helps improve performance by speeding up access to frequently used information, it can also accumulate over time, leading to slower performance and potential issues.
When Should You Clear Cache on Your Surface Go?
Here are some signs indicating that it’s time to clear your Surface Go’s cache:
- Slow performance: Apps take longer to load, web pages are sluggish, and the overall system feels laggy.
- Frequent crashes: Apps keep crashing or freezing, indicating potential conflicts with cached data.
- Limited storage space: A full cache can take up valuable storage space, impacting your device’s capacity.
- Troubleshooting issues: Clearing cache can be a helpful step in troubleshooting various problems, such as app errors or website loading issues.
Method 1: Clearing the Browser Cache
Most users experience slowdowns because of a cluttered browser cache. Let’s clear it!
For Microsoft Edge:
1. Open Microsoft Edge and click the three dots in the top right corner.
2. Select Settings.
3. In the left sidebar, click Privacy, search, and services.
4. Under Clear browsing data, click **Choose what to clear**.
5. Select Cached images and files and any other desired data.
6. Click Clear now.
For Google Chrome:
1. Open Google Chrome and click the three dots in the top right corner.
2. Select More tools and then **Clear browsing data**.
3. In the Basic tab, select **Cached images and files** and any other desired data.
4. Click Clear data.
Method 2: Clearing the Windows System Cache
The Windows system cache stores temporary files used by the operating system. Clearing this cache can help resolve performance issues and free up storage space.
1. Close all open programs and windows.
2. Press Windows key + R to open the **Run** dialog box.
3. Type %temp% and click **OK**.
4. This will open the Temp folder. Select all files and folders within the folder.
5. Press Shift + Delete to permanently delete the files. If you encounter any errors, you can skip those files and continue deleting the rest.
6. Restart your Surface Go.
Method 3: Clearing App Cache
Individual apps also store their own cache data. Clearing app cache can help resolve app-specific issues and free up storage space.
1. Go to Settings by clicking the **gear icon** on the Start menu.
2. Select Apps and then **Apps & features**.
3. Find the app you want to clear the cache for and click on it.
4. Select Advanced options.
5. Under Reset, click Reset. This will clear the app’s data and cache.
Method 4: Using Disk Cleanup to Free Up Space
Windows Disk Cleanup is a built-in tool that can help you remove unnecessary files and free up storage space, including cached data.
1. Search for “Disk Cleanup” in the Windows search bar.
2. Select the drive you want to clean (usually your C drive).
3. Choose the file types you want to delete. This includes temporary files, system files, and more.
4. Click OK to start the cleanup process.
Beyond Clearing Cache: Boosting Your Surface Go’s Performance
While clearing cache can significantly improve your Surface Go’s performance, there are other steps you can take to further optimize your device:
- Run a full system scan with your antivirus software.
- Update your device drivers.
- Disable unnecessary startup programs.
- Consider using a lightweight web browser.
- Regularly defragment your hard drive.
- Ensure your Surface Go is running the latest Windows updates.
The Final Word: A Smoother Surface Go Experience
By following these steps, you can effectively clear the cache on your Surface Go, reclaim valuable storage space, and enjoy a smoother, faster user experience. Remember to clear your cache regularly to keep your device running at its best!
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q: Is it safe to clear the cache on my Surface Go?
A: Yes, clearing the cache is generally safe and won’t harm your device. However, clearing the system cache might temporarily remove some settings or preferences.
Q: How often should I clear the cache on my Surface Go?
A: There’s no set schedule. You can clear your cache when you notice performance issues, or as a regular maintenance routine (every few weeks or months).
Q: Will clearing the cache delete my files?
A: No, clearing the cache will only delete temporary files. Your personal files and documents will remain untouched.
Q: How can I prevent the cache from filling up again?
A: You can reduce cache accumulation by using a web browser with a more efficient caching system, disabling unnecessary browser extensions, and closing tabs you’re not actively using.
Q: What if clearing the cache doesn‘t solve the performance issues?
A: If clearing the cache doesn’t resolve the problem, you might need to consider other troubleshooting steps, such as running a virus scan, checking for faulty hardware, or reinstalling Windows.
