What Are Prefetch Files on Windows? Is It Safe to Delete Them?

Understanding Prefetch Files: A Comprehensive Guide

This guide explores prefetch files, addressing common questions about their purpose, safe deletion, and disabling their creation. Let's delve into the details.

What are Prefetch Files?

Prefetch files are small files created by Windows to speed up application and system startup. Introduced in Windows XP, they store data needed for quicker loading. These files reside in the Prefetch folder within the Windows directory on your C: drive.

Beyond faster loading, prefetch files aid in malware detection. Malicious software activity often leaves a trace in these files, assisting in security analysis.

Deleting Prefetch Files: Is it Safe?

While created by Windows, deleting prefetch files is generally harmless. Windows recreates them upon subsequent application launches. However, expect slightly slower boot times and application loading after deletion.

How to Delete Prefetch Files

Here are two methods for removing prefetch files:

Method 1: Using the Run Dialog

1. Press Win R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type prefetch and press Enter.
3. Select all files (Ctrl A) and press Delete. You might encounter errors if files are in use; skip or close the relevant applications.

Method 2: Using the Command Prompt

1. Search for "Command Prompt," right-click, and select "Run as administrator."
2. Type del C:\Windows\prefetch\*.* /s /q and press Enter.

Disabling Prefetch File Creation

To prevent future prefetch file creation, modify the Windows Registry:

1. Press Win R, type regedit, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management\PrefetchParameters.
3. Double-click EnablePrefetcher and change the value data:
   • 0: Disable prefetching entirely.
   • 1: Enable application prefetching only.
   • 2: Enable boot prefetching only.
   • 3: Enable both application and boot prefetching.

4. Click OK to save changes.

Conclusion

This guide clarified what prefetch files are, their safe deletion, and how to disable their creation. Remember that disabling prefetching might slightly impact startup speeds.

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