How to Clean NVIDIA Shader Cache on Windows

The NVIDIA shader cache is a collection of compiled shader files stored on your hard drive. Shaders are small programs that tell your GPU how to render graphics. By caching these shaders, your system can load them faster next time, improving game and application performance

But sometimes, this cache can become corrupted or bloated, leading to graphical glitches or slower performance. Cleaning the shader cache resets it, forcing your system to rebuild it with fresh data.

Steps to clear the NVIDIA shader cache

Step 1: Open NVIDIA Control Panel

Right-click on the Nvidia icon on the system tray and select NVIDIA Control Panel.

You can also right-click on the desktop and select NVIDIA Control Panel from the context menu. If you're using Windows 11, it's hidden under Show more options.

Step 2: Navigate to Manage 3D Settings

Click on Manage 3D settings from the left sidebar. Then, switch to the Global Settings tab.

Step 3: Turn off the Shader Cache

1. Scroll down the list until you find Shader Cache.

2. Click the drop-down menu next to it and select Disabled. This disables the shader cache temporarily.

3. Click Apply at the bottom right to save changes.

Step 4: Delete the Shader Cache Files Manually

1. Open File Explorer (press the Windows logo key + E) and navigate to the following folders:

C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Local\NVIDIA\DXCache

C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Local\NVIDIA\GLCache

C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Local\NVIDIA Corporation\NV_Cache

2. Delete all files inside the folders. This removes the existing shader cache files.

Tips: Usually, you can open C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Local by typing %localappdata% in the address bar of the File Explorer.

Step 5: Re-enable Shader Cache

Go back to the NVIDIA Control Panel. Set Shader Cache back to Driver default. Click Apply to enable the shader cache again.

Will Cleaning Shader Cache Affect Game or CAD Software Loading Speed?

Yes, cleaning the NVIDIA shader cache can temporarily affect loading times for games and large applications like CAD software. Here's why:

1. Since the shader cache stores precompiled shaders, deleting it means your system must recompile shaders from scratch the next time you launch a game or application.

2. This recompilation can cause slightly longer load times or minor stuttering during the first run after clearing the cache.

3. However, once rebuilt, the shader cache helps improve performance and loading speed in subsequent uses.

So, while cleaning the shader cache can solve existing issues and free disk space, expect a brief period of slower loading immediately afterward. This is normal and temporary.

Bottomline

Cleaning the NVIDIA shader cache on Windows is a straightforward process that can resolve many graphical performance issues. Although it may temporarily increase loading times for games and CAD software, it helps maintain overall system stability and graphics quality. By following this guide, you can clear outdated or corrupted shader files safely and keep your system running smoothly.