How to Clean NVIDIA DirectX Shader Cache (DXCache)
Location & Quick Verdict
%LocalAppData%\NVIDIA\DXCache
NVIDIA's graphics driver stores compiled DirectX 11 and DirectX 12 shader binaries in DXCache so games load faster without stuttering.
How Compiled DirectX 12, Vulkan & Driver Pipelines Accumulate in NVIDIA DirectX Shader Cache (DXCache)
Every time a modern DirectX 12, Vulkan, or OpenGL title launches, your graphics driver compiles hardware-specific Pipeline State Objects (PSOs) and compute shaders into binary cache buckets at %LocalAppData%\NVIDIA\DXCache. Across dozens of driver updates and game patches, shaders compiled for retired driver versions remain on disk alongside active pipelines—and corrupted shader buckets are a primary cause of micro-stutter and DXGI_ERROR_DEVICE_HUNG crashes.
When you clear NVIDIA DirectX Shader Cache (DXCache), the graphics driver automatically allocates a clean, defragmented shader cache directory on next launch and compiles only the active pipeline states required by your current driver version. Note that any files locked by the Desktop Window Manager (dwm.exe) or active tray overlays are safely skipped.
# Inspect current disk footprint of NVIDIA DirectX Shader Cache (DXCache) (Read-Only)
$target = "$env:LOCALAPPDATA\NVIDIA\DXCache"
Get-ChildItem -Path $target -Recurse -Force -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue |
Measure-Object -Property Length -Sum |
Select-Object Count, @{Name="SizeGB";Expression={[math]::Round($_.Sum / 1GB, 2)}}
Manual Cleaning Instructions
- 1 Close all running games and 3D applications.
- 2 Press Windows Key + R, type %localappdata%\NVIDIA\DXCache and press Enter.
- 3 Select all files (Ctrl+A), press Delete, and click Skip for any files currently locked by the NVIDIA display driver.
Note: If Windows alerts that a file is in use or locked by a background process, close the associated task in Task Manager before deleting, or use SWEEPR Cleaner to release locked handles safely.
Sub-Folders & Cache Locations Breakdown for NVIDIA DirectX Shader Cache (DXCache)
Modern Windows applications and system services split their disk footprint across multiple sub-directories (`Cache_Data`, `Service Worker\CacheStorage`, `Code Cache`, `GPUCache`, and `Crashpad\reports`). Review which sub-folders inside NVIDIA DirectX Shader Cache (DXCache) are safe to purge and which files remain protected:
| Sub-Folder / Cache Location | Storage Role | Typical Footprint | Deletion Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| %LocalAppData%\NVIDIA\DXCache (*.bin / *.toc / *.nvph) | Compiled DirectX 11/12 & Vulkan Shader Pipeline Binaries | 2.0 GB – 14.0 GB | 🟢 100% Safe (Unlocked Entries) |
| %LocalAppData%\D3DSCache | Windows Direct3D Shared Driver Shader Cache | 500 MB – 4.0 GB | 🟢 100% Safe |
| %LocalAppData%\NVIDIA\GLCache / AMD\GLCache | OpenGL & Legacy Shader Compilation Cache | 250 MB – 2.5 GB | 🟢 100% Safe |
| Driver Display Profiles & Control Panel Settings | Custom 3D Settings, G-Sync/FreeSync & Color Calibration | Protected | 🔒 Protected — Never Touched |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to delete NVIDIA DirectX Shader Cache (DXCache)?
Yes, 100% safe. Deleting older shader cache files reclaims gigabytes of SSD space and fixes corrupted shader stutter after driver updates. Currently active files locked by the driver are safely skipped.
How much storage space will cleaning NVIDIA DirectX Shader Cache (DXCache) free up?
Users typically reclaim 2.0 GB – 14.0 GB on Windows 10 and Windows 11 systems depending on update frequency and active cache retention in %LocalAppData%\NVIDIA\DXCache.
Will deleting NVIDIA DirectX Shader Cache (DXCache) cause shader compilation stutter in games?
Only briefly on the very first launch of a game while your GPU compiles fresh shaders for your current driver version. In fact, clearing bloated or corrupted shader caches often resolves persistent frame-time spikes and driver crashes after GPU driver updates.
Where is NVIDIA DirectX Shader Cache (DXCache) located on Windows 10 and Windows 11?
It is stored at %LocalAppData%\NVIDIA\DXCache. You can paste that path directly into the Windows Run dialog (Win + R) or File Explorer address bar to inspect it.
Manual File Explorer vs. 1-Click SWEEPR Cleanup
| Feature | Manual Deletion | SWEEPR Cleaner |
|---|---|---|
| Locked File Handling | Fails on locked processes | Safe background release |
| Accidental Deletion Risk | Moderate (easy to delete wrong folder) | Zero (strict rules & hashes) |
| Safety Undo Rollback | None (Shift+Del is permanent) | 7-Day Automatic Rollback |
| Time Required | 10–20 minutes per app | < 60 seconds across 40+ areas |
Related Windows Cleanup Guides & Hidden Space Hogs
Clean NVIDIA DirectX Shader Cache (DXCache) Automatically
SWEEPR Cleaner safely clears NVIDIA DirectX Shader Cache (DXCache) along with 40+ other hidden app folders and leftover files in one click—covering up to 5 devices (Windows, Mac, Android & iOS) with a 7-day undo safety net.