So what are junk files on my computer? The most common types of junk files on your computer can be classified as one of the following: Unless you're an expert, you don't need these files remaining on your hard drive. Another example is Microsoft Office, which creates a lot of log files for actions you perform or things that went wrong, such as crashes. But sometimes it forgets to delete these temporary files and they begin to accumulate. For example, when you work with Photoshop it will create a temporary file while you're editing photos. Different types of junk filesĬomputer junk files and phone junk files are created for many different reasons. But, in general, it's best practice to regularly clean your browser and delete your browser cookies for optimal performance and safer internet surfing. Sometimes these temporary files improve the user experience, such as browser cache files that help load frequently visited web pages faster, or keep your shopping cart full while you’re browsing an ecommerce site. The problem is that these files sit on your device in their original form, taking up space and slowing you down.

Once that step of the process is complete, the file is no longer needed and turns into computer junk. But that file is needed to install, run, or execute your request only at that very moment. Nearly anything you do on your computer requires your system to create a temporary file. That's why it's a good idea to delete junk files regularly.Īn excess of junk files is one of several reasons why your PC gets slower over time or why you might suffer 100% disk usage in Windows 10.

Thankfully, they’re not the same as bloatware or a computer virus, but they might slow down your device and impact performance if ignored for too long. Having junk files on your computer or phone isn't your fault. These files are useful in the moment, but once they’ve served their purpose they’re just junk - system junk files that clog up a device and cause poor performance. Junk files are temporary files that were created so that your computer or phone could perform a task, such as opening a document, viewing an image, or browsing the internet.

Clean up junk files on iphone