AppData, Local, LocalLow, and Roaming Folders Explained (2024)

FAQs

AppData, Local, LocalLow, and Roaming Folders Explained? ›

The AppData folder has three subfolders: Local, LocalLow, and Roaming. The Local folder is used for data that is specific to the current computer and does not need to be synchronized with other devices. The LocalLow folder is used for data that has low priority or low integrity, such as web browser data.

On a domain network, the files and subfolders under the "Roaming" directory are synced to other devices if you log in to your account on a different computer on the same domain. The "Local" folder under "Appdata" doesn't roam to other devices.

The appdata/roaming folder is basically a place for Windows apps to store their configuration settings. So in Local's case, these would be things like the “name” or “domain” of a site, or if you have connected to Flywheel or WP Engine.

Sure. Anything under AppData is local data files related to your account. What they contain varies by app but likely includes things like preferences, customization settings, etc. So you can always delete these folders.

Can I Delete the Local, LocalLow, and Roaming Folders? Yes, but no. Deleting these folders can not only possibly break Windows, but they will also indeed remove most of your program settings.

Is it safe to delete temp files? Yes, it's safe to delete temporary files from Windows. Most of the time, they'll be deleted automatically — if they're not, you can delete them yourself from AppData\Local\Temp without many worries.

Data roaming is typically needed when you are traveling outside of your mobile network's coverage area and want to use cellular data services on your mobile device. For example, imagine you're on a vacation overseas and need to check your hotel reservation or call a Lyft.

No - unless you have specific reason. The reason there are Local, and Roaming directories within the user AppData directory is because the one named Roaming is designed for exactly that use.

The files in the AppData influence the apps that are currently installed on your PC. Deleting these files will remove the saved data, user information, and settings of the apps. This may cause apps not to work or other issues. However, the temporary files in the AppData folder can be safely removed.

Every Windows computer contains a hidden folder called AppData. Most users never need to access this folder, and messing around with it can cause problems on your computer if you don't know what you're doing.

What folder should you never delete? ›

Program Files and Program Files (x86)

Those folders include all configuration information the program needs to work; if some of them are getting lost or messed up, the program cannot work anymore.

You can delete what's in the Temp folder and folders from programs you no longer have installed, but you should never delete the entire AppData local, roaming, or LocalLow folders.

Is it safe to delete temporary files in AppData local? Deleting AppData will have no effect on your apps, but you will lose any preferences stored in this folder, such as a specific color theme in an app or your save data for games.

The AppData folder has three subfolders: Local, LocalLow, and Roaming. The Local folder is used for data that is specific to the current computer and does not need to be synchronized with other devices. The LocalLow folder is used for data that has low priority or low integrity, such as web browser data.

A roaming profile has all the functionality of a local profile but can be transferred from one PC to another. Essentially, the user's profile and files are downloaded to any computer that they log onto. When the user logs off, the changes in a roaming profile are synchronized with the server copy of the profile.

Several potential causes of this problem exist, including the buildup of temporary and cache files, outdated information from uninstalled applications, and others. Now, let us move on to the solutions to clean up the AppData folder.

No - unless you have specific reason. The reason there are Local, and Roaming directories within the user AppData directory is because the one named Roaming is designed for exactly that use.

AppData is a hidden folder located in C:\Users\<username>\AppData. The AppData folder contains custom settings and other information needed by applications. For example, you might find the following in your AppData folder: Web browser bookmarks and cache.

Data is considered roaming when used outside your provider's home network or comprehensive area coverage. All the major cell network providers have roaming agreements with each other to ensure subscribers receive coverage outside of their primary service areas.

The main reason that AppData is consuming so much space may be related to saved Cache, number of Installed Applications, or simply Large Files created by applications (for example Outlook mailbox profiles).