Temporary files - what is it?

When it comes to computer problems, you often hear about temporary files, but very few people know exactly what is behind them. We tell you.

Temporary files: creation and use

Temporary files are used for the temporary storage of data, to relieve the RAM and to prepare the transfer of files to other programs.

• Temporary files are created by programs or by the system itself, for example by Windows.
• All temporary files are only needed temporarily. At the latest when the program is closed or the operating system is shut down, these files are no longer used and deleted.
• The easiest way to explain temporary files is to use a Word document. When you open Word, a temporary file is automatically created. Every letter you now write is saved in this file. Only when you save your document will a file that you can see be created. If you close Word, the temporary file is deleted.
• You can recognize temporary files by the extension ".tmp", but these are usually hidden in the "AppData" folder of the respective user.
• Most temporary files are deleted after the program has ended, but a few of these files are always kept on your hard drive. These accumulate over time and take up unnecessary storage space. Therefore, there are numerous programs that specialize in deleting these (unnecessary) files.

Why should you delete temporary files?

In order to avoid errors and problems in the system, you should not seek out unused temporary files yourself, but let programs do the work for you.

• Download and install the CCleaner.
• Start the program and select under "Cleaner" all programs whose temporary files you want to delete.
• Then click on "Start CCleaner". Your system will be searched and the unnecessary files will be deleted.

We'll give you more tools to clean your system of unnecessary data here.