How to Clean Unity Engine Local Shader Compilation Cache
Location & Quick Verdict
%LocalAppData%\Unity\cache\shaders
Unity compiles and caches HLSL and ShaderLab shader variants across every project you develop into %LocalAppData%\Unity\cache\shaders.
How Compiled DirectX 12, Vulkan & Driver Pipelines Accumulate in Unity Engine Local Shader Compilation Cache
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%\Unity\cache\shaders. 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 Unity Engine Local Shader Compilation Cache, 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 Unity Engine Local Shader Compilation Cache (Read-Only)
$target = "$env:LOCALAPPDATA\Unity\cache\shaders"
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 Unity Editor and Unity Hub.
- 2 Press Windows Key + R, type %localappdata%\Unity\cache\shaders, and press Enter.
- 3 Select all cached shader directories and delete them.
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 Unity Engine Local Shader Compilation Cache
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 Unity Engine Local Shader Compilation Cache are safe to purge and which files remain protected:
| Sub-Folder / Cache Location | Storage Role | Typical Footprint | Deletion Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| %LocalAppData%\Unity\cache\shaders (*.bin / *.toc / *.nvph) | Compiled DirectX 11/12 & Vulkan Shader Pipeline Binaries | 3.0 GB – 20.0 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 Unity Engine Local Shader Compilation Cache?
Yes, 100% safe. Safely cleans up stale compiled shader binaries and reclaims SSD storage. Unity automatically recompiles active shaders on demand.
How much storage space will cleaning Unity Engine Local Shader Compilation Cache free up?
Users typically reclaim 3.0 GB – 20.0 GB on Windows 10 and Windows 11 systems depending on update frequency and active cache retention in %LocalAppData%\Unity\cache\shaders.
Will deleting Unity Engine Local Shader Compilation Cache 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 Unity Engine Local Shader Compilation Cache located on Windows 10 and Windows 11?
It is stored at %LocalAppData%\Unity\cache\shaders. 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 Unity Engine Local Shader Compilation Cache Automatically
SWEEPR Cleaner safely clears Unity Engine Local Shader Compilation Cache 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.