Where is the AppData folder in Windows? Hidden files

The Appdata folder allows you to easily store App Store cache files. It also includes the files of other devices and softwares, like Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft Outlook. This makes it really easy to keep all of your data synced between the devices you use on a day-to-day basis.

But where is the AppData folder in Windows, and how do you access it? We’ll look at the quickest way you can find the documents folder.

Finding the AppData folder in Window

The AppData folder is hidden files on your operating system, device or phone, this folder or folders usually contain custom settings and information that is used by your applications.

It incorporates cache files and other temporary files that help your device, phone or OS run more smoothly. This reduces the time for logging into things such as frequently visited web pages – for example, Facebook.

In short, the AppData folder in Windows is actually a hidden folder, which you’ll be able to find at the location C:\Users\<username>\AppData. The folder contains a variety of different customization options for your device, including your files and settings.

It is okay for you to delete the AppData folders because they aren’t essential folders. When you delete an AppData folder, the next time you visit a web page a fresh folder will be created anyway.

It’s a good idea to delete files from your AppData if you’re having issues – the download cache files can become corrupted or disrupt file paths that then interfere with applications.

Once deleted, your apps will create new versions that should not have any issues.

Read More: Windows 10 apps not working

Almost everything you install has AppData files associated with them so it is good to be aware of how to locate them. This article will show you how to find and delete AppData on Mac, PC, iOS and Android devices.

Although AppData is a Windows concept and this is effectively comparing apples and oranges, on Mac the equivalent of AppData is /Application/application-name which is slightly different from Windows 10.

These files act in the same fashion as AppData and can be deleted without any issues.

1. Open the finder on Mac.
2. Select ‘Go’ on the menu bar.
3. Press and hold the ‘Option and Alt’ key together.
4. This will give you a shortcut to the ‘Library’ on your Mac.
5. From here you should be able to find the relevant folder.
6. On Mac ‘live files’ that are hidden are kept in three locations; Application Support, Caches and/or Preferences.

How do I find Appdata folders on Windows 10?

Although you won’t use this folder very often and it is hidden in Windows file explorer it is good to be aware of how to access it. Windows store AppData in three files:

• The Local folder: stores data to a single windows system.
• The LocalLaw folder: Used with things such as incognito mode.
• The Roaming folder: Stores data that is synced across more than one device.

So how can you access and delete these folders?

1. Open File Explorer or Windows Explorer.
2. Go to the ‘Address Bar.’
3. Type %AppData% into the bar.
4. Press ‘Enter.’
5. Go to the required folder.
6. On Windows 10 ‘live files’ are hidden and kept in two locations; Roaming and/or Local.

On Windows 10 you can keep the hidden folders permanently displayed so you don’t have to keep following the process above.

1. Open File Explorer or Windows Explorer.
2. Click on ‘View.’
3. Go to ‘Options.’
4. Within the ‘Folder Options’ windows.
5. Click on ‘View.’
6. Select the option ‘Show Hidden Files, Folders and Drives.’
7. Select ‘OK’ to apply.

How do I find AppData on Android?

Compared to operating systems Android takes on storage differently, if you install an app through Google play then your hone places this temporary data in /data/app/your_package_name.

To clear this data on Android it is pretty simple, you just delete your cache files by going to your settings and then storage. Each app’s cache can be deleted individually.

So if you are having problems with one particular app then you can isolate the cache and delete it for that one app. If your Android phone or device is slowing down I recommend you try clearing out your storage this way because it helps to improve performance.

How do I find AppData on iOS?

AppData on iOS is similar to Android, you have data saved to your device any time you download and install an app through the App Store.

This data can help you when you change phones because it eradicates the need to re-establish things such as passwords and usernames for sites you use often. But it won’t harm your phone to delete it periodically.

1. Go to iTunes on your PC or Mac.
2. Connect your phone/device to your PC via the cable.
3. Tap on ‘Devices’ on your iOS device.
4. Go to ‘Apps. At the top of the iTunes window.
5. Locate the app data on the left-hand side of this window.
6. Select ‘Delete’ or Remove’ next to the app you want to clear data from.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is fine for you to delete these files because they can actually create more problems than they fix, and they get replaced by your applications anyway so it is not an issue.

If you are having trouble with certain apps at any point, it is always a good idea to declutter and get rid of any temporary files that are stored on your computer or devices because it could be down to a corrupt file.

Now you know where to find these files you should have no problems in the future accessing them when you need to.