Temp files are created by an app or system process to temporarily store data that is later used by the process that created the file. They can also remain through shutdown or restart cycles. (Third-party utilities, such as TinkerTool System, can help you remove troublesome cache files.)Ĭache and temp files serve a similar function they provide a place to temporarily store data in files on your Mac.Ĭache files are accessed and updated frequently, and they can remain after the app or system function that created them has closed or exited. It’s also common to hear about removing these files to free up space on a Mac’s startup drive.īut before we head down the road to clearing out cache and temp files, let’s take a moment to find out what functions they serve, and whether it’s really a good idea to remove them willy-nilly. There are numerous times when removing a cache or temp file may be part of a troubleshooting tip to return an app or the system to a more robust condition. You’ve no doubt heard the term cache and temp files, at least as it relates to your Mac.

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