Clearing the cache in Edge on Windows 11 is a simple process that can help improve browser performance and resolve loading issues. To do this, you need to access the settings menu in Edge, navigate to the privacy settings, and clear your browsing data. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you through it seamlessly.
How to Clear Cache in Edge Windows 11
Clearing the cache in Microsoft Edge on a Windows 11 device can help speed up your browsing experience and fix issues like pages not loading correctly. Follow these steps to clear your cache quickly and easily.
Step 1: Open Microsoft Edge
First, make sure Microsoft Edge is open on your computer.
You can do this by clicking the Edge icon on your taskbar or searching for it in the Start menu.
Step 2: Access the Settings Menu
Next, click the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner of the browser window, then select “Settings” from the dropdown list.
This menu includes many options, but “Settings” is usually near the bottom. Clicking it will open a new tab with various settings options.
Step 3: Navigate to Privacy, Search, and Services
In the left-hand menu, find and click on “Privacy, search, and services.”
This section contains all the settings related to your privacy and data usage, including options for clearing your cache.
Step 4: Choose What to Clear
Under the “Clear browsing data” section, click “Choose what to clear.”
A new window will pop up, showing different types of data that you can delete.
Step 5: Select Cached Images and Files
From the list, check the box next to “Cached images and files.” You can uncheck other items if you only want to clear the cache.
This ensures that only the cached files will be deleted, which helps speed up your browser without affecting other data like saved passwords.
Step 6: Confirm and Clear
Finally, click the “Clear now” button.
This action will delete the cached files from Edge, and you should see an improvement in browser performance and page loading times.
After clearing your cache, you might notice that websites load faster and any previously encountered issues may be resolved. However, some sites might take a little longer to load initially as new cached data is stored.
Tips for Clearing Cache in Edge Windows 11
- Regularly clear your cache to keep Edge running smoothly.
- Avoid clearing cache too frequently; once a month is usually sufficient.
- Make sure to uncheck other options if you only want to clear the cache.
- Remember, clearing cache will log you out of some sites, so be prepared to re-enter passwords.
- Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + Del to quickly access the “Clear browsing data” menu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I clear my cache in Edge?
Clearing your cache can help improve browser performance, resolve loading issues, and free up space on your device.
Will clearing the cache delete my passwords?
No, as long as you only select “Cached images and files,” your saved passwords and other data will remain intact.
How often should I clear my cache?
It’s generally a good practice to clear your cache once a month to keep your browser running efficiently.
What happens if I clear my cache?
Clearing your cache will remove temporary files stored by websites, which can help resolve issues and improve performance.
Can I clear my cache without losing browsing history?
Yes, you can. Make sure to uncheck the “Browsing history” option when selecting what to clear.
Summary of How to Clear Cache in Edge Windows 11
- Open Microsoft Edge.
- Access the Settings menu.
- Navigate to Privacy, search, and services.
- Choose what to clear.
- Select cached images and files.
- Confirm and clear.
Conclusion
Clearing the cache in Edge on Windows 11 is a straightforward way to keep your browser running efficiently. By following these simple steps, you can resolve various loading issues and enjoy a faster browsing experience. Regular maintenance, like clearing your cache, ensures that your device stays in top shape.
While it’s a small task, it can have a big impact on your daily use of Microsoft Edge. If you found this guide helpful, consider exploring additional browser settings to further optimize your experience. Happy browsing!
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.