What To Know
- This guide will walk you through the process of how to clear cache on Surface Go, leading to a smoother and faster user experience.
- Most of us spend a significant amount of time browsing the internet, and our browsers accumulate a significant amount of cache data.
- Make it a habit to clear your browser and app cache at least once a week.
Do you find your Surface Go sluggish and slow? Are apps taking longer to load, and the overall performance feels sluggish? You might be facing the common issue of a cluttered cache. This guide will walk you through the process of how to clear cache on Surface Go, leading to a smoother and faster user experience.
Understanding Cache and its Impact
Before diving into the clearing process, let’s understand what cache is and why it becomes a performance bottleneck.
Cache is a temporary storage area on your Surface Go that holds frequently accessed data. This data can include website files, app data, and system files. The idea is to speed up access to these files by storing them locally instead of fetching them from the source every time. However, over time, the cache can become cluttered with outdated or unnecessary files, leading to:
- Slower performance: The Surface Go has to sift through a large cache, slowing down app launches, browsing, and overall system responsiveness.
- Increased storage usage: A bloated cache can take up valuable storage space on your device.
- Potential issues: Outdated cache files can sometimes lead to app errors or website malfunctions.
Clearing Cache on Surface Go: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you understand the importance of clearing the cache, let’s explore the different methods to do so.
1. Clearing the Browser Cache
Most of us spend a significant amount of time browsing the internet, and our browsers accumulate a significant amount of cache data. Here’s how to clear the cache in your favorite browsers:
Microsoft Edge:
1. Open Microsoft Edge and click on the three dots in the top right corner.
2. Select Settings.
3. Click on Privacy, search, and services.
4. Under “Clear browsing data,” click on Choose what to clear.
5. Select the Cached images and files option and click **Clear now**.
Google Chrome:
1. Open Google Chrome and click on the three dots in the top right corner.
2. Select More tools and then **Clear browsing data**.
3. Make sure Cached images and files is selected and click **Clear data**.
Mozilla Firefox:
1. Open Firefox and click on the three horizontal lines in the top right corner.
2. Select Options (or **Preferences** on macOS).
3. Click on Privacy & Security.
4. Under “History,” click on Clear Data.
5. Select Cached Web Content and click **Clear Now**.
2. Clearing the App Cache
Individual apps also store cache data, which can become problematic. Here’s how to clear app cache on your Surface Go:
1. Go to Settings: Open the **Start menu** and select **Settings**.
2. Navigate to Apps: Click on **Apps** and then **Apps & features**.
3. Select the App: Find the app you want to clear the cache for and click on it.
4. Advanced Options: Click on **Advanced options**.
5. Reset: Click on **Reset**. This will remove all data associated with the app, including the cache.
Note: Resetting an app will also remove all your data, so make sure you have a backup before proceeding.
3. Clearing the System Cache
While clearing the browser and app cache can significantly improve performance, clearing the system cache can provide an even greater boost. However, clearing the system cache requires a bit more caution as it can affect system functionality.
Important: Before proceeding, create a system restore point to ensure you can revert any unwanted changes.
1. Open Command Prompt: Press **Windows key ++ X** and select **Command Prompt (Admin)**.
2. Run the Command: Type the following command and press **Enter:**
“`
“%temp%”
“`
3. Delete Files: This will open the temporary files folder. Delete all the files and folders in this location.
4. Restart your Surface Go: Reboot your Surface Go for the changes to take effect.
Caution: Only delete files from the “%temp%” folder. Deleting files from other system folders can lead to system instability.
Tips for Managing Cache Effectively
While clearing cache can be beneficial, there are ways to manage it effectively and prevent it from becoming a burden.
- Regularly Clear Cache: Make it a habit to clear your browser and app cache at least once a week.
- Use Cache-Clearing Tools: There are several third-party tools available that can help you clear cache and manage your storage space more efficiently.
- Disable Automatic Cache Updates: Some apps automatically update their cache. You can disable these updates in the app settings to prevent unnecessary cache accumulation.
- Monitor Storage Usage: Regularly check your storage usage and clear any unnecessary files, including cache data.
Beyond Cache: Other Performance Boosters
While clearing cache is a crucial step, it’s not the only way to optimize your Surface Go’s performance. Here are some additional tips:
- Close Unnecessary Programs: Running multiple programs in the background can slow down your device. Close any programs you’re not actively using.
- Update Drivers: Outdated drivers can cause performance issues. Ensure your drivers are up to date by visiting the manufacturer’s website or using the Windows Update feature.
- Run a Disk Cleanup: The Disk Cleanup tool can help you remove unnecessary files and free up storage space.
- Defragment Your Hard Drive: Defragmenting your hard drive can improve read and write speeds, leading to faster performance.
- Disable Unnecessary Startup Programs: Programs that start automatically when you boot up your Surface Go can slow down the boot process. Disable any unnecessary startup programs.
The End of the Road: A Recap
By following these steps and implementing these tips, you can significantly improve the performance of your Surface Go. Clearing the cache is a crucial step, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle.
Remember, regular maintenance and optimization are key to keeping your Surface Go running smoothly. Enjoy a faster, more responsive device!
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: How often should I clear the cache on my Surface Go?
A: It’s recommended to clear your browser and app cache at least once a week. However, if you notice performance issues, you can clear the cache more frequently.
Q: Will clearing the cache delete my data?
A: Clearing the browser cache will not delete your browsing history, passwords, or other data. However, clearing the app cache may delete app data, so it’s essential to have backups before proceeding.
Q: What if clearing the cache doesn‘t solve the performance issues?
A: If clearing the cache doesn‘t solve the performance issues, you might have other problems, such as a virus, malware infection, or a hardware issue. Consider running a virus scan or contacting Microsoft support for further assistance.
