To clear your cache and cookies in Microsoft Edge, start by opening the browser on your computer. Look for the three dots in the top right corner of the window and click on them. Select Settings from the menu that drops down. Go to the tab labeled Privacy, search, and services. Scroll down until you see the section for Clear browsing data and click the button that says Choose what to clear. Pick a time range like All time and make sure the boxes for cookies and cached images are checked. Finally, click the blue Clear now button to finish the job.
This section will guide you through the exact motions needed to remove temporary files and tracking data from your browser. Following these instructions will help resolve loading errors and improve your privacy.
Step 1: Open your Microsoft Edge browser on your computer.
You need to launch the application from your desktop or taskbar to get started. It usually looks like a blue and green wave icon. If you already have it open, just make sure you are looking at the main window.
Step 2: Click on the three horizontal dots located in the top right corner.
This button opens up the main menu for the browser. It is sometimes called the meatball menu because of how it looks. You will find it right next to your profile picture.
Step 3: Select Settings from the list of options that appears.
You will find this option near the bottom of the dropdown list. Clicking it opens a new tab with all the configuration controls. It looks like a gear icon next to the word.
Step 4: Click on Privacy, search, and services in the left sidebar.
This tab contains the tools you need to manage your digital footprint. If you do not see the sidebar, you might need to click the three-line menu button first. It is usually the second option from the top.
Step 5: Scroll down to Clear browsing data and click Choose what to clear.
This button is blue and sits right in the middle of the page. It opens a small pop-up window with specific choices for you to make. You cannot miss it if you look under the heading about clearing browsing data.
Step 6: Pick a Time range and check the boxes for cookies and cached images.
Change the time range to All time if you want a completely fresh start. Make sure the boxes next to “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files” have checkmarks in them. You can leave other boxes unchecked if you want to keep things like your history.
Step 7: Click the blue Clear now button to finish the process.
The browser will take a moment to delete the files you selected. Once the window closes, the cleanup is complete. You do not need to restart the browser, but it often helps.
After you complete these steps, your browser will act like it is brand new. You will be signed out of most websites, so you will need to log in again. Pages might load a tiny bit slower the first time you visit them because the browser has to download new images.
- Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + Delete to open the clearing menu instantly.
- Do this cleanup once a month to keep your computer running smoothly.
- Uncheck the box for passwords if you do not want to lose your saved logins.
- Select specific time ranges like “Last hour” if you only want to delete your recent activity.
- Close the browser completely and reopen it after clearing data for the best results.
Frequently asked questions
Will clearing cache delete my saved passwords?
No, your passwords stay safe unless you specifically check the password box. The browser separates your login info from temporary files. You can clean up the junk without losing your keys.
How often should I clear my cache?
Doing this once a month is usually enough for most people. If you use the internet heavily, you might do it more often. It really depends on how much browsing you do.
Why does Edge save this data anyway?
It saves data to make websites load faster the next time you visit them. Think of it like keeping a backpack packed so you do not have to gather supplies every morning. It is meant to be helpful.
Will this speed up my computer?
It can help speed up the browser if it was bogged down by too much junk. However, it will not make your actual computer processor faster. It just helps the software run cleaner.
Can I undo this action?
No, once you delete this data, it is gone forever. There is no trash bin for cache files. Make sure you really want to delete it before you click the button.
Summary
- Open Microsoft Edge.
- Click the three dots.
- Go to Settings.
- Select Privacy, search, and services.
- Click Choose what to clear.
- Select time range and boxes.
- Click Clear now.
Conclusion
Taking care of your browser is like changing the oil in your car. It is a necessary chore that keeps things running without hiccups. When you surf the web, your browser collects bits and pieces of data. This is meant to be helpful, like a squirrel gathering nuts for winter. However, too many nuts can clog up the tree. That is why learning how to manage this data is so important for your digital health.
You do not need to be a computer genius to handle this maintenance. It gives you a sense of control over your privacy. Websites track where you go and what you look at through cookies. Clearing them stops that tracking for a little while. It also fixes weird glitches. Have you ever seen a webpage that looks broken or old? That is often because of a bad cache file.
By following the steps provided, you ensure your browsing experience stays fast and secure. You clear out the digital cobwebs that gather in the corners of your hard drive. Make it a habit to check these settings every few weeks. It takes less than a minute, but it saves you headaches down the road. Remember exactly how to clear cache and cookies in edge so you can teach your friends or family if they get stuck. A clean browser is a happy browser.
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.