Prefetch Files in Windows 11: What They Do and How to Clear Them

May 20, 2024 Matt Mills Computers, How to 0

Last updated:

Prefetch files help Windows open apps faster. You usually do not need to clear them, and deleting them is not a reliable way to speed up Windows 11. Windows can build these files again, so apps may take longer to open while their launch information is rebuilt.

If you searched for Prefetch clear or Prefetch Run, the useful first step is to know what the folder does. Opening it through Run only shows the files. It does not clean or tune your PC.

Illustration of a desktop PC with an app-loading progress bar

What are Prefetch files?

Windows records information about the files an app uses when it starts. Prefetch uses those records to help prepare for later launches. Files with names ending in .pf are launch records, rather than copies of your apps or personal documents.

Microsoft‘s Windows investigation guide describes Prefetch as an app-startup feature and places its records in %SystemRoot%\Prefetch. Windows manages these records itself. A growing collection is not, by itself, a sign that something needs fixing.

Question Short answer
Where is the folder? Usually C:\Windows\Prefetch. Use %SystemRoot%\Prefetch if Windows is installed elsewhere.
Does opening it with Run clear anything? No. Run opens the folder so you can view its contents.
Will deleting the records uninstall my apps? No. The records are separate from the installed apps.
Should I empty it every day? No. Leave it alone during normal use.
Why do files return after deletion? Windows can create new launch records as apps run again.

How to open the Prefetch folder with Run

  1. Press Windows + R.
  2. Type %SystemRoot%\Prefetch and press Enter.
  3. If Windows asks for administrator permission, continue only if you are allowed to manage this PC.
  4. View the files, then close the window when you are finished.

You may see guides that use the shorter command prefetch. If that does not open the folder, use the full path above. Windows does not normally define %prefetch% as a folder shortcut, so wrapping that word in percent signs may fail.

A permission prompt does not mean the folder is broken. On a work or school computer, ask the administrator rather than changing the folder’s owner or permissions.

Is it safe to delete Prefetch files in Windows 11?

Windows can recreate its Prefetch records. Removing those records does not normally remove the apps they describe. However, that does not make clearing them a useful maintenance habit.

Prefetch exists to help startup, as Microsoft’s startup-performance documentation explains. Clearing its information can remove a shortcut Windows was using to load things efficiently. Any space recovered may be used again when new records are created.

Leave the folder alone unless you have a specific troubleshooting reason. Do not delete the Prefetch folder itself, disable Windows services, or use a cleaner’s promised speed gain as proof that the files are a problem.

How to clear Prefetch records when troubleshooting calls for it

If a support technician has asked you to clear the launch records, use a narrow manual change:

  1. Close the apps you are troubleshooting and open %SystemRoot%\Prefetch.
  2. Confirm that you are inside Prefetch, not the main Windows folder.
  3. Select the .pf files you were asked to remove. Leave subfolders and other file types alone.
  4. Press Delete and read the confirmation before continuing.
  5. If a file is in use or access is denied, choose Skip. Do not force deletion or change security settings.
  6. Use the PC normally and check whether the original problem still happens.

You do not need to download replacement Prefetch files. If you already cleared them, let Windows rebuild its records during normal use instead of repeatedly clearing the folder.

Better first steps for a slow PC

Start with the problem you can see. Microsoft’s PC-performance guide recommends storage cleanup, reviewing startup apps and checking resource use.

  • Low free space: open Settings > System > Storage > Temporary files. Review the categories before removing anything, especially Downloads.
  • A slow sign-in: open Task Manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc and review Startup apps. Disable only apps you recognize and do not need at sign-in.
  • High CPU, memory or disk use: check Task Manager’s Processes tab to see which app is busy. Avoid guessing from the size of one Windows folder.
  • Possible unwanted software: check which antivirus is installed and active, then run its scan.

If you need to check installed RAM or your Windows version, our guide to System Properties and the About page shows where to find those details.

Common questions

Should I stop Prefetch or adjust its size?

For normal use, leave Windows in charge. Registry edits and turning off related services are not good first steps for an unexplained slowdown. Diagnose the app, storage or hardware issue first.

Why is the Prefetch folder empty?

An empty view alone does not tell you the cause. Check the path and whether a cleanup tool recently cleared it. There is no need to unhide protected operating-system files just to make this folder look busier.

Does this also apply to Windows 10?

The same folder path and general advice apply. Some settings screens differ, but routinely deleting launch records is still not a dependable speed fix.