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What Are Prefetch Files, and Is It Safe to Delete Prefetch Files

When I cleaned up my computer's disk, I found a lot of prefetch files that I don't remember creating. Can I delete them? Will it affect my system and the operation of my programs?

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Brithny· Answered on Feb 12, 2026

Is it safe to delete prefetch files on a Windows PC? Prefetch files are temporary files containing information about application programs, which helps in the quicker loading of programs.

Each time you open a program, an associated prefetch file is created. That file is used for faster loading of the program next time you try to run it on your computer. Therefore, it's safe to delete your prefetch files.

In addition, you can view prefetch files on Windows and delete them without causing any issues to your computer and programs.

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If you delete them, your Windows and your programs will take longer to launch the next time you turn on your Windows PC.
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Tutorials on how to recover lost, deleted, or formatted data from HDD, SSD, USB, SD card, or other storage media on Windows and Mac.

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