Every DirectX and OpenGL game you launch on an NVIDIA GPU builds a shader cache — pre-compiled GPU programs that make subsequent launches faster. Across dozens of games, %localappdata%\NVIDIA easily reaches 10–20 GB.
Short answer: delete the contents of %localappdata%\NVIDIA\DXCache (DirectX) and %localappdata%\NVIDIA\GLCache (OpenGL). Games will rebuild smaller caches on next launch. The first load after clearing may stutter briefly as shaders recompile.
What NVIDIA actually caches
Three folders, all under %localappdata%\NVIDIA:
- DXCache — DirectX (most modern games). Usually the largest, often 2–10 GB.
- GLCache — OpenGL (Minecraft, older games, some emulators). Usually smaller.
- ComputeCache (newer drivers) — CUDA and ML workload caches. Small for gamers, can be large on ML workstations.
The cache is a performance optimization, not required for games to run. Clearing it reclaims space and regenerates only the shaders you actually hit next session.
Clearing it safely
- fully quit every running game and close the NVIDIA App / GeForce Experience
- press Windows + R, type
%localappdata%\NVIDIA, press Enter - open each subfolder (DXCache, GLCache, ComputeCache if present) and delete their contents — not the folders themselves
- skip any file locked by a running process (a background service may hold one or two files)
- empty the Recycle Bin
You do not need to touch %programdata%\NVIDIA Corporation or C:\Program Files\NVIDIA Corporation — those are the driver itself.
Capping future growth via the NVIDIA Control Panel
Newer drivers let you cap shader-cache size so this does not need to be a recurring chore.
- right-click the desktop > NVIDIA Control Panel
- Manage 3D settings > Global Settings
- find Shader Cache Size
- set to 10 GB (default is "Driver Default," often unbounded)
- click Apply
Better next routes
For game-specific leftovers, continue with How to Uninstall Heavy PC Games Properly.
For the broader cleanup, read How to Free Up Space on C Drive Windows 11 Natively.