The NVIDIA shader cache stores pre-compiled GPU shaders so games load faster on subsequent runs. When the cache becomes corrupted or stale (after a driver update, a game patch, or disk errors), it can cause stuttering, micro-hitches, or graphical glitches instead of preventing them. Clearing it forces the driver to rebuild the cache from scratch.

Clearing the shader cache does not delete game files or settings. The cache rebuilds automatically the next time you run a game. You may notice slightly longer initial load times for one or two sessions while it regenerates.

Method 1: Disable via NVIDIA Control Panel

This method prevents the driver from writing a new cache at all. Use it when you want to rule out the cache entirely while troubleshooting, then re-enable it once the problem is resolved.

1
Right-click an empty area of the desktop and select NVIDIA Control Panel. If you do not see it in the context menu, search for it in the Start menu.
2
In the left panel, expand 3D Settings and click Manage 3D settings.
3
Click the Global Settings tab to apply the change to all programs.
4
Scroll down the feature list to find Shader Cache Size.
5
Open the dropdown and select Disabled.
6
Click Apply in the bottom-right corner.

The Global Settings tab applies the change to all programs. There is no per-game override for shader caching; disabling it here affects every application that uses the NVIDIA driver.

After testing, set Shader Cache Size back to Driver Default (or a specific size such as 10 GB) to restore normal caching behaviour.

Method 2: Delete the cache files manually

Deleting the cached files is the fastest way to get a clean slate without permanently disabling caching. Do this after disabling the cache in Control Panel, or on its own if you prefer to keep caching enabled.

1
Close all games and, if possible, exit the NVIDIA App or GeForce Experience from the system tray.
2
Press Win + R, type %LOCALAPPDATA%\NVIDIA, and press Enter. This opens the NVIDIA local app-data folder in File Explorer.
3
Open the DXCache folder and select all files inside (Ctrl + A), then delete them. Do not delete the folder itself, only its contents.
4
Go back one level and open the GLCache folder. Delete its contents in the same way.
5
Also check %PROGRAMDATA%\NVIDIA Corporation\NV_Cache and delete any files there too if the folder exists.
6
Restart your PC.

If Windows reports that a file is in use and cannot be deleted, it means a GPU process is still running. Close all open games and GPU-related apps (NVIDIA overlay, monitoring tools, capture software), then try again. Restarting the PC first also works.

Method 3: Clear DirectX Shader Cache via Disk Cleanup

Windows maintains its own DirectX shader cache separately from the NVIDIA-specific folders above. Disk Cleanup can remove it with one click.

1
Press Win + S and search for Disk Cleanup. Open it.
2
Select your system drive (usually C:) and click OK.
3
Wait for the scan to finish, then check DirectX Shader Cache in the list of files to delete.
4
Click OK, then Delete Files to confirm.

This removes cached shaders for all graphics APIs on your system, not just NVIDIA. It is safe to run and pairs well with Method 2 for a thorough clean.

Re-enabling the shader cache

If you disabled the cache in NVIDIA Control Panel, go back to 3D Settings → Manage 3D settings → Global Settings and set Shader Cache Size to Driver Default. Click Apply. The driver will start building a fresh cache the next time a game runs.

Most stuttering caused by a corrupted cache disappears after the first full play session once the cache has rebuilt cleanly.