Clearing the cache in Microsoft Edge is a simple process that can help improve browser performance and resolve issues with loading or formatting websites. By following a few easy steps, you can quickly clear your cache and get back to browsing the web smoothly.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Clear Cache in Microsoft Edge
Before we dive into the steps, it’s important to understand what clearing your cache will accomplish. When you clear your cache, you remove temporary files that your browser has stored to help load websites more quickly. However, this can sometimes lead to outdated or corrupted files, which can cause issues when browsing.
Step 1: Open Microsoft Edge Browser
Open your Microsoft Edge browser to start the process.
Opening the browser is the first step because you need to access the settings within Edge to clear your cache.
Step 2: Click on the Three Dots Menu
Click on the three dots in the top-right corner of the browser window to open the menu.
These three dots are also known as the “Settings and More” menu, which is where you’ll find the option to clear your cache.
Step 3: Select ‘Settings’
From the menu, select “Settings” to open the settings panel.
The Settings panel is where you can adjust various options for your browser, including privacy and security settings.
Step 4: Choose ‘Privacy, Search, and Services’
Within the Settings panel, choose “Privacy, Search, and Services” to access your browsing data options.
This section of the settings is specifically focused on how Edge handles your data, including your browsing history and cached files.
Step 5: Click on ‘Choose What to Clear’
Under the “Clear Browsing Data” section, click on “Choose What to Clear” to specify what data you want to remove.
This step allows you to select the types of data you want to clear, such as cookies, cached images, and files, and more.
Step 6: Select ‘Cached Images and Files’
Make sure the box next to “Cached Images and Files” is checked.
By checking this box, you are telling Edge that you want to clear these specific types of data from your cache.
Step 7: Click on ‘Clear Now’
After selecting the data you want to clear, click on the “Clear Now” button to complete the process.
Clicking this button will initiate the clearing of your selected browsing data from Edge.
After completing these steps, your cache in Microsoft Edge will be cleared. You may notice that websites take a little longer to load the first time you visit them after clearing your cache, as your browser will need to download new copies of the files it previously had stored. However, this should improve your overall browsing experience and resolve any issues you were experiencing.
Tips: How to Clear Cache in Microsoft Edge
- Tip 1: Close all browser windows and tabs before clearing your cache to ensure that all temporary files are removed.
- Tip 2: Clear your cache regularly to maintain optimal browser performance.
- Tip 3: Consider also clearing your cookies and browsing history for a more thorough clean-up.
- Tip 4: If you only want to clear the cache for a specific time period, use the “Time Range” drop-down menu to select the desired range.
- Tip 5: Use the keyboard shortcut “Ctrl + Shift + Delete” to quickly open the “Clear Browsing Data” panel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will clearing my cache delete my bookmarks or saved passwords?
No, clearing your cache will not delete your bookmarks or saved passwords. It only removes temporary files related to website content.
How often should I clear my cache?
There is no set rule for how often you should clear your cache. It depends on your browsing habits and whether you’re experiencing any issues. Some users clear their cache weekly, while others do it monthly or only as needed.
Can I clear the cache for just one website?
Yes, you can clear the cache for a specific website by accessing the “Cookies and Site Permissions” section in the settings and selecting the website you want to clear data for.
Will clearing my cache improve my browser’s speed?
Clearing your cache can improve your browser’s speed if it’s being slowed down by a large amount of stored data or corrupted files. However, it’s not a guaranteed solution for all performance issues.
What happens if I don’t clear my cache?
If you don’t clear your cache, your browser may become slower over time or have trouble loading new content on websites. You may also experience issues with website formatting or functionality.
Summary
- Open Microsoft Edge Browser
- Click on the Three Dots Menu
- Select ‘Settings’
- Choose ‘Privacy, Search, and Services’
- Click on ‘Choose What to Clear’
- Select ‘Cached Images and Files’
- Click on ‘Clear Now’
Conclusion
Clearing your cache in Microsoft Edge is a breeze with the steps outlined above. Not only does it help resolve potential issues, but it also keeps your browser running smoothly. Remember, our digital lives can get cluttered just like our physical ones, so a little digital housekeeping can go a long way. As an authority on the topic, I recommend making cache-clearing a part of your regular browser maintenance routine. It’s a simple task that can have a noticeable impact on your browsing experience. If you’re still curious or want to delve deeper into optimizing your browser, there are plenty of resources available. Consider exploring more advanced settings within Edge or researching other ways to enhance your online experience. And with that, 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.