Unlocking the Power of Prefetch in Windows 10
As technology enthusiasts, we’re always seeking ways to optimize our Windows experience for speed and performance. Lately, we’ve noticed some buzz surrounding a built-in Windows feature called Prefetch. After digging into forum discussions, we uncovered some expert insights on unlocking the full potential of Prefetch. Intrigued, we decided to explore Prefetch in-depth to empower our readers with the knowledge needed to tap into this performance booster.
In this guide, we’ll demystify Prefetch in Windows 10 and walk through solutions to common permission issues blocking access. Buckle up for a deep dive into supercharging application load times!
Demystifying Prefetch in Windows 10
Prefetch is a system service designed to improve application load times in Windows. It monitors and analyzes your usage patterns, then preloads frequently used programs into memory so they launch faster when opened.
How do I delete a prefetch file in Windows 10?
Or alternatively, you can delete the prefetch files manually. You will need to be signed in as an administrator to be able to delete the files in the prefetch folder. 1. Open File Explorer > In the title bar you now need to go to “C:\windows” 2. You now need to find the “Prefetch” folder then double click the folder.
What is winprefetchview & how does it work?
WinPrefetchView is a small utility that reads the Prefetch files stored in your system and displays the information stored in them. By looking in these files, you can learn which files every application is using, and which files are loaded on Windows boot. This utility works on any version of Windows, starting from Windows XP, and up to Windows 10.
While older mechanical hard drives benefited the most from Prefetch, even modern SSD-based systems can gain performance advantages. Prefetch significantly reduces read requests from storage media. With fewer spinning disk operations needed, applications spring to life more swiftly.
Prefetch has been present in Windows systems for ages. However, beginning with Windows 10 version 1803, Microsoft enabled Prefetch by default to provide out-of-the-box performance gains.
Troubleshooting Prefetch Folder Access Denied Errors
Despite its benefits, Prefetch can sometimes become blocked by permission issues, generating “access denied” errors. This prevents Prefetch from preloading applications for speedier loading.
Here are 10 solutions to restore full access when hitting permission walls with the Prefetch folder:
1. Grant Yourself Full Control Permissions
Navigating to the Prefetch folder properties and manually assigning your account full control permissions often resolves access issues. Follow these steps:
- Open File Explorer and navigate to
C:\Windows\Prefetch
. - Right-click the Prefetch folder and selectProperties.
- Click theSecuritytab and then clickEdit.
- ClickAddand enter your user account name, then clickCheck Names.
- Select your user account, checkAllowfor theFull controlpermission.
- ClickApply>OKto save the permissions.
2. Run the System File Checker
How to delete temporary files in Windows 10?
Step 1: Press Windows key + R to open the Run command. Then type “ Prefetch ” in the search field and press OK. Step 2: Now, select all prefetch files using ctrl + A and then press delete. Finally, delete all the files from recycle bin too. All temporary files are deleted, and now you are good to go!!
What is prefetch & how does it work?
Prefetch is a memory management feature. The log about the frequently running application on your machine is stored in the prefetch folder. The log is encrypted in Hash Format so that no one can easily decrypt the data of the application. These files can be used to extract timestamp and other resources consumed when the file executes.
System file corruptions can also manifest as permission issues. Use the System File Checker tool to scan for and replace corrupted system files:
- Open an elevated Command Prompt by searching forcmd, right-clicking the result, and selectingRun as administrator.
- Enter
sfc /scannow
and pressEnterto initiate the scan. - Restart your PC once finished for changes to fully apply.
3. Leverage the Deployment Image Servicing and Management Tool
Like the System File Checker, the DISM tool can repair file corruptions by pulling pristine copies from the Windows image cache:
- Open an elevated Command Prompt as shown above.
- Type
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
and pressEnterto begin scanning and repairing system files. - Restart your PC after completion for the fixes to fully apply.
4. Reset Your PC to Factory Defaults
If your Windows installation has become severely corrupt, resetting your PC reverts it to a clean state:
- OpenSettings>Update & Security>Recovery.
- UnderReset this PC, clickGet started.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to reset your PC, keeping or removing your files as desired.
Resetting fully reinstalls Windows and eliminates any corrupted files blocking Prefetch folder access.
What are prefetch files?
The prefetch files will be text files with a .pf extension, and they’re encrypted so that only your Windows system can read the app data. Can I Delete the Prefetch Files?
How do I delete a prefetch file?
Prefetch files are automatically created to speed up the launch of certain applications and don’t usually take up much space on your drive. There’s no real reason to delete these files unless you need to free up a small amount of space. Type prefetch into the “Run” box and press ↵ Enter. This opens the Prefetch folder in the File Explorer.
How do I open a Prefetch folder?
Type prefetch into the “Run” box and press ↵ Enter. This opens the Prefetch folder in the File Explorer. Depending on your security settings, you may need to enter your admin password or confirm the action before you see the folder contents. Enable the option to display hidden files and folders.
What is winprefetchview?
WinPrefetchView is a small portable freeware utility that reads the Prefetch (.pf) files stored in your system and displays the information stored in them. It is available . By looking in these files, you can learn which files every application is using, and which files are loaded on Windows boot.
5. Adjust Settings for the Prefetch Service
Using Registry Editor or Group Policy, you can customize Prefetch’s behavior and troubleshoot issues:
-
OpenRegeditand navigate to
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management\PrefetchParameters
. -
Adjust the following default values as needed:
- EnablePrefetcher(3 = fully enabled, 0 = fully disabled)
- EnableSuperfetch(3 = enabled, 0 = disabled)
- EnableBootTrace(1 = enabled, 0 = disabled)
-
Alternatively, access these settings viaLocal Group Policy Editorat
Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\System\Prefetch Parameters
.
6. Update Your Windows Operating System
Installing the latest Windows updates can resolve bugs causing Prefetch issues. OpenSettings>Windows Updateand install any available updates, especially those labeled as “Cumulative Updates.” Restart your PC afterwards for changes to apply.
7. Scan Your System for Malware Infections
Why do I need a prefetch file in Windows 10?
The prefetch files can help improve the load times of Windows 10. So if you have programs that launch on sign-in, this folder stores the files to make them launch faster. However, you can also end up with old files for programs you no longer have installed in Windows 10.
How do I delete files from a folder in Windows 10?
Press the home button+r, or type “run” in search and open it. Then type “prefetch” and press enter; a dialogue box will pop up. Simply press “continue” and delete all the files from the folder. Thanks!
What is a Prefetch folder in Windows 10?
The prefetch folder is the location where Windows 10 stores files that help speed the loading times of programs. The prefetch files can help improve the load times of Windows 10. So if you have programs that launch on sign-in, this folder stores the files to make them launch faster.
Malicious software may tamper with Prefetch files and folders, blocking access. Use quality antivirus software like Windows Defender to scan for and eliminate any malware lurking on your system. Reboot your PC when finished for a clean slate.
8. Uninstall Recently Added Software or Drivers
If problems appeared after installing new software or drivers, try uninstalling the additions to see if it resolves your Prefetch woes. UseSettings>AppsorControl Panel>Programs and Featuresto remove software. For drivers, useDevice Manager.
9. Restore From a System Restore Point
If you can pinpoint when the issues began, reverting to an earlier system restore point may eliminate the source. AccessSystem RestorethroughSettings>Update & Security>Recovery. Choose a restore point predating the problems.
10. Perform an In-Place Upgrade
As a last resort, initiate an in-place upgrade to refresh your Windows installation while retaining your data and apps. Download and run the Windows 10 Update Assistant to walk through the upgrade process.
With this comprehensive guide, you now have the inside track on resolving Prefetch access issues to reclaim your Windows performance edge. Let us know if any of these solutions successfully unlocked the power of Prefetch for you in the comments below!
Further Reading to Master Prefetch Tuning
Want to become a true Prefetch guru? We recommend exploring these additional resources:
How have you optimized Prefetch to accelerate performance? Share your Prefetch tweaks and tricks below!