Power Query caches folder keeps increasing

[ECE]

Hi,

My Power Query chches folder keeps increasing in size and now takes up almost 40GB.

The location of the folder is:

C:\Users\XX\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Office\16.0\PowerQuery\Cache\Caches

Looking in Query Options, "Masimum allowed" size is 4096MB.

It seems a new cache file is created, each time I refresh the connection.

I have also triede clearing the cache, via the "Clear Cache" option in Query Options. However, even if this actually frees up space on my C drive, it doesn't change the size of the Caches folder (mentioned above).

Br Espen

[v-robertq-msft]

Hi,

Unfortunately, I use the file path you posted but I can’t find the PowerQuery folder on my computer, I think you can try to click on the “Clear Cache” option in the desktop to clear the cache in the folder:

For more info, please refer to this blog:

https://www.c-sharpcorner.com/blogs/how-to-clear-cache-of-power-bi-desktop

Best Regards,

Community Support Team _Robert Qin

[ECE]

Thanks for your replay Robert,

Notice this issue is related to Power Query for Excel.

I have cleared the Cash as suggested multiple times. But it seems the update action creates cache in two locations:

1. C:\Users\XX\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Office\16.0\PowerQuery\Cache
2. C:\Users\XX\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Office\16.0\PowerQuery\Cache\Caches

Location 1. I assuem this is the default location - direct files (not the subfolder Caches) in this folder, are in fact deleted. when I use the clear cache option.

Location 2. is only increasing in size, and is not cleared/reduced in size when clearing cache.

[Anonymous]

I'm not sure if this question is still relevent for you, but I just found this article https://www.excelinppc.com/recommended-power-query-settings/ which contains an explenation of your problem (I think) and how to solve it.

Look under Current Workbook  - Data Load

[RafalT]

Hi,

I'm struggling with the same issue. Here's the WinDirstat PrintScreen:

Clearing caches does nothing. Just as @ECE described it. I'm running out of space at the moment (PQ Caches took 118 GB despite the 4GB limit!). Any clues on what to do? Should I delete those files myself? 

[ECE]

Hi @RafalT 

I have startede manually deleting all files from the Caches folder from time to time.