To clear cookies in Microsoft Edge, you first need to open the browser and click on the three dots in the top right corner. From there, select Settings and look for the tab labeled Privacy, search, and services. Scroll down the page until you see a section called Clear browsing data. Click on the button that says Choose what to clear. A small window will pop up where you can check the box for Cookies and other site data. Make sure to select All time from the time range menu, then hit the Clear now button.
This section guides you through the specific actions needed to remove tracking data from your browser. We will look at exactly where to click so you do not get lost in the menus. Follow these instructions to wipe the slate clean.
Step 1: Click on the three dots located in the top right corner of the browser window.
This icon is officially known as the Settings and More menu. It opens up a long list of options for controlling how Edge works. You will see it positioned right next to your profile picture or avatar.
Step 2: Select Settings from the drop-down menu that appears.
You will usually find this option near the bottom of the list. Clicking it opens a new tab dedicated entirely to configuring the browser. This is where all the important technical changes happen.
Step 3: Click on Privacy, search, and services in the left-hand sidebar.
This tab contains the tools you need to manage your digital footprint. It usually has a lock icon next to it. If you do not see the sidebar, you might need to click the three horizontal lines to expand the menu.
Step 4: Scroll down to the Clear browsing data section and click Choose what to clear.
This area lets you decide exactly what information gets deleted. It prevents you from accidentally erasing things you might want to keep. You will see a blue button that is easy to spot.
Step 5: Check the box next to Cookies and other site data and set the Time range to All time.
Making the time range All time ensures everything is gone forever. You can also uncheck other boxes if you want to keep your browsing history. This step focuses specifically on the tracking files.
Step 6: Click the blue Clear now button to finish the process.
The browser will take a moment to scrub the data. Once the window closes, the process is complete. You have successfully cleaned up your browser storage.
After you finish these steps, you will notice that you are signed out of most websites. You will need to enter your username and password again for your email and social media accounts. Some pages might load slightly slower the first time you visit them because they need to download new images.
- You can use a keyboard shortcut to jump straight to the menu. Pressing Control, Shift, and Delete at the same time on your keyboard opens the clearing menu instantly. This saves you from clicking through multiple settings screens.
- Consider using InPrivate windows for temporary browsing. When you close an InPrivate window, Edge automatically clears the cookies from that specific session. This is great for checking bank accounts on public computers.
- You can set Edge to clear cookies every time you close the browser. Go to the settings menu and look for the option to clear browsing data on close. This keeps your computer clean without any extra effort from you.
- It is possible to keep cookies for specific sites you trust. You can add websites to an “allow” list in the settings. This way, you stay logged into your favorite sites while clearing everything else.
- Clearing cookies can often fix broken websites. If a page looks weird or buttons are not working, try clearing the data for just that specific site. It forces the browser to fetch a fresh copy of the page.
Frequently asked questions
Will clearing cookies delete my saved passwords?
No, clearing cookies does not delete your saved passwords. Passwords are stored in a different part of the browser data. You would have to specifically check the “Passwords” box to remove them.
Why should I clear my cookies?
Cookies can build up over time and take up space on your device. Advertisers also use them to track where you go on the internet. Clearing them protects your privacy and helps the browser run smoothly.
How often should I perform this task?
There is no perfect rule for how often to do this. Doing it once a month is a good habit for most people. If you share a computer, you might want to do it after every session.
Does clearing cookies speed up my computer?
It might help the browser run a little bit faster. However, the main benefit is fixing errors and improving privacy. It won’t make a slow computer suddenly become fast.
Can I undo this action?
No, once you click the clear button, those files are gone for good. You cannot recover cookies after they are deleted. You will simply have to log back into your websites.
Summary
- Click the three dots.
- Select Settings.
- Go to Privacy, search, and services.
- Click Choose what to clear.
- Check Cookies and select All time.
- Click Clear now.
Conclusion
Taking care of your browser is a lot like cleaning your room. It is not something you need to do every single day, but letting the mess pile up can cause problems later. When you let cookies accumulate for years, you leave a long trail of digital breadcrumbs that advertisers love to follow. It can also cause websites to act glitchy or display old information that is no longer correct. By wiping these files away, you get a fresh start and a slightly more private experience on the web.
You might find it annoying to log back into your accounts immediately after the cleanup. However, this small inconvenience is usually worth the trade-off for better privacy and fewer technical errors. It is a good idea to make this a regular part of your digital routine. You could try doing it at the start of every month.
Remember that you are in control of your data. You do not have to let websites track you forever if you do not want them to. Now that you know how to clear cookies edge, you can troubleshoot website issues and protect your personal information with confidence. Keep your browser tidy, and enjoy a smoother ride on the internet.
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.