To wipe the slate clean in Microsoft Edge, you just need to dive into the settings menu. Click the three dots in the top right corner and pick Settings from the list. Navigate to the section labeled Privacy, search, and services. Look for the blue button that says Choose what to clear. Check the box for Cached images and files. Finally, hit Clear now to finish the job. This gets rid of old data that might be slowing you down. It is a quick fix for many common browser glitches.
Tutorial – How to clear cache in Microsoft Edge
We are going to walk through the exact process to refresh your browser. Following these moves will help you delete temporary files that clog up your computer. It is a simple path to a faster internet experience.
Step 1: Open the Microsoft Edge menu
Look at the top right corner of your browser window for three horizontal dots. Clicking this icon drops down a long menu full of options. It is like opening the hood of your car to check the engine.
Step 2: Select Settings from the list
Scan down near the bottom of the menu until you see the gear icon. Clicking this takes you to a new page where you control everything. This is the command center for how Edge behaves.
Step 3: Go to Privacy, search, and services
On the left side of the screen, you will see a list of different categories. You need to click the one that mentions privacy and services. If the menu is hidden, click the three lines in the top left corner first.
Step 4: Click on Choose what to clear
Scroll down the main page until you find the section about clearing browsing data. You will see a blue button waiting there for you. Clicking it opens a small window with specific choices.
Step 5: Check the box for Cached images and files
You will see several boxes you can check or uncheck. Make sure the one for cached images is selected to target the right files. You can uncheck other things like history if you want to keep them.
Step 6: Press the Clear now button
Once you have made your selection, click the blue button at the bottom. The browser will take a moment to sweep away the old data. When the window closes, the process is complete.
After you finish these steps, your browser might feel a little different at first. Websites you visit often might take a second longer to load. This happens because Edge has to download fresh images instead of using old ones. However, you will likely notice that weird glitches or formatting errors are gone. The browser is now fetching the newest version of every page.
Tips for Edge how to clear cache success
- Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + Delete to open the menu instantly.
- Select the Time range option to All time if you want a complete cleaning.
- Close other tabs before clearing to ensure everything gets removed properly.
- Restart the browser after clearing the cache to make sure the changes stick.
- Check the box for Cookies if you are having trouble logging into a specific website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will clearing cache delete my passwords?
No, clearing the cache does not touch your saved passwords. Those are stored separately in the browser’s safety vault. You would have to specifically check the password box to remove them.
How often should I perform this task?
You do not need to do this every single day. Once a month is usually enough to keep things running smoothly. You should also do it whenever a website starts acting weird.
Does this delete my browsing history?
It only deletes history if you check the box for Browsing history. If you only select cached images and files, your history stays safe. You have total control over what gets erased.
Why does the cache exist if I have to clear it?
The cache is actually there to help you speed up the web. It saves pictures so they do not have to download every time. But sometimes those saved pictures get outdated or broken.
Can I clear the cache on the mobile app?
Yes, the process is very similar on your phone or tablet. Go to settings within the app and look for privacy options. The steps mirror what you do on the desktop version.
Summary
- Open the Edge menu.
- Click on Settings.
- Select Privacy, search, and services.
- Click Choose what to clear.
- Select Cached images and files.
- Click Clear now.
Conclusion
Maintaining a healthy browser is a lot like taking out the trash. If you let it pile up, things start to smell funky and run slowly. By clearing your cache, you are giving Microsoft Edge a fresh start. It forces the browser to look at the web with new eyes. This ensures you are seeing the most recent version of your favorite sites. It also frees up space on your hard drive that was being wasted.
You might feel hesitant to delete things, but this data is temporary. It is meant to be disposable. Think of it as shaking the crumbs out of your toaster. You aren’t breaking the toaster. You are just making sure it works better for the next slice of bread.
If you ever encounter a 404 error or a page that looks jumbled, remember this guide. It is usually the first troubleshooting step IT pros recommend. It solves a surprising number of headaches. You don’t need to be a computer genius to keep your digital life tidy. Just a few clicks can make a big difference in speed.
So, next time your internet feels sluggish, try this out. Don’t let digital clutter slow you down. Master the skill of clearing your cache in Microsoft Edge and browse with confidence. It is a small habit that pays off in a smoother experience. Keep this knowledge handy for whenever the internet acts up.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.