Mastering the use of Excel isn't just about inputting data and using functions; it's also about optimizing the software to work at its peak efficiency. One of the culprits that slow down Excel is the buildup of cache, which holds onto temporary files and data. Here are five straightforward strategies to swiftly clear the cache and ensure your spreadsheets run smoother.
1. Close and Reopen Excel
The simplest method to clear your Excel cache is to exit the program and then relaunch it. Here’s how you can do it:
- Save your work if necessary.
- Click on the ‘File’ tab at the top left corner.
- Select ‘Close’ or hit the ‘X’ at the top right of the window.
- Relaunch Excel.
🚀 Note: This method is immediate but may not address all types of cache.
2. Clear The Office Document Cache
Excel, like other Office applications, stores temporary files and data in an Office Document Cache. Here’s how to manually clear it:
- Go to the location
%APPDATA%\Microsoft\Office\16.0\OfficeFileCachethrough Windows Explorer. - Delete all the files in this folder.
This clears out the temporary cache files that can accumulate over time.
📂 Note: You might need to exit all Office applications before deleting files in this folder.
3. Clear Recent Documents
Excel keeps track of recently used documents for quick access, which can also impact performance:
- In the ‘File’ tab, select ‘Options’.
- From ‘Excel Options’, choose ‘Advanced’.
- In the ‘Display’ section, set ‘Show this number of Recent Documents’ to ‘0’.
- Click ‘OK’ to save changes.
- Restart Excel.
This action removes the history of recent files, which can sometimes help with performance.
4. Using the Command Line to Clear Temporary Files
To clear all temporary files related to Office, including Excel cache, follow these steps:
- Open Command Prompt as an Administrator.
- Run the command
del /q /f /s %temp%*.tmp.
This command deletes all .tmp files in the Windows temp folder, which can contain Office-related temporary files.
⚠️ Note: Use this command with caution as it affects all programs using the temp folder, not just Excel.
5. Disable and Re-enable Excel Add-Ins
Sometimes, Excel add-ins can cause cache issues. Here’s how to handle them:
- Go to ‘File’ > ‘Options’ > ‘Add-Ins’.
- At the bottom, click ‘Go…’ to manage COM Add-ins.
- Uncheck all add-ins, apply, and exit.
- Reopen Excel and repeat the steps to re-enable the add-ins.
Disabling and re-enabling add-ins can reset their cache, potentially resolving performance issues.
In wrapping up our discussion, we’ve highlighted the importance of keeping your Excel’s cache clear to maintain smooth operation. By closing and reopening Excel, clearing the Office Document Cache, managing your recent documents, using command line to delete temporary files, and toggling Excel add-ins, you can ensure that your spreadsheets work efficiently. Remember, these simple steps are designed to be user-friendly, giving you the tools you need to enhance your Excel experience. Applying these strategies will not only save time but also minimize frustration, allowing you to focus on what truly matters – working with your data effectively.
Will clearing the Excel cache delete my data?
+Clearing the cache in Excel does not affect your actual data or saved workbooks. It removes temporary files and cache that might slow down your performance.
How often should I clear the cache in Excel?
+Regular users might find it beneficial to clear the cache once every few months or whenever Excel starts to slow down noticeably.
Can clearing the cache affect the performance of other Office applications?
+Yes, since Office applications share the same cache folder, clearing it can also improve the performance of other Microsoft Office programs like Word and PowerPoint.
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