To clear your cookies in Microsoft Edge, you first need to open the browser and look for the three dots in the top right corner. Click those dots to open the main menu and select Settings near the bottom of the list. Once the settings tab opens, look for the Privacy, search, and services tab on the left side of the screen. Scroll down until you see the section labeled Clear browsing data and click the blue button that says Choose what to clear. Make sure the box for Cookies and other site data is checked. Finally, click Clear now to finish the process.
Tutorial – How to Delete Cookies in Edge
We are about to walk through the exact process of cleaning up your browser’s memory. This is like taking out the trash for your internet history, which helps your computer run smoother and protects your privacy. Follow these moves to get a fresh start.
Step 1: Click on the three-dot menu icon located in the top right corner of the browser window.
You will find this icon in the upper right area of the screen. It looks like three horizontal dots sitting next to each other. Clicking this opens a drop-down menu with many different options for controlling your browser.
Step 2: Select the option labeled Settings from the list that appears.
Look towards the bottom of the menu you just opened. You will see a gear icon next to the word Settings. Clicking this will open a new tab in your browser dedicated entirely to configuration options.
Step 3: Click on Privacy, search, and services in the left-hand sidebar.
On the new page that opened, look at the column on the left side. You should see an option that talks about privacy and services. If you have a small screen, you might need to click the three-line hamburger menu to see this sidebar.
Step 4: Scroll down to the Clear browsing data section and click Choose what to clear.
You need to scroll down the page a little bit to find this section. It is usually located right under the tracking prevention options. Click the blue button to open up a small window with more choices.
Step 5: Select All time from the Time range drop-down menu.
At the top of the small window, there is a box that lets you pick a time range. If you want to delete everything, you must switch this to “All time”. Leaving it on “Last hour” will only delete the most recent files.
Step 6: Check the box next to Cookies and other site data.
You will see several boxes with checkmarks next to them. Ensure the one specifically mentioning cookies is selected. You can uncheck other boxes like “Browsing history” if you want to keep that list intact.
Step 7: Click the blue Clear now button to finish the task.
This is the final move to complete the process. Once you click this button, the window will close. The browser will immediately begin scrubbing the data you selected.
After you complete these actions, you will notice that you are signed out of most websites. You will have to type in your username and password again for email or social media. Also, some websites might load slightly slower the first time you visit them again because they need to re-download images.
- You can use a keyboard shortcut to save time by pressing Ctrl, Shift, and Delete all at once.
- Consider unchecking the “Passwords” box so you do not lose your saved login information.
- You can set Edge to automatically clear cookies every time you close the browser window.
- Use an “InPrivate” window for browsing if you do not want cookies saved in the first place.
- If a specific website is acting weird or broken, try clearing cookies for just that specific time range first.
Frequently asked questions
Will deleting cookies erase my bookmarks?
No, deleting cookies will not touch your bookmarks or favorites. Your saved websites remain exactly where you left them. This process only removes temporary data files and login sessions.
How often should I clear my cookies?
There is no perfect rule for how often to do this. Doing it once a month is a good habit for privacy. However, you should definitely do it if your browser starts running slowly or websites act strangely.
Does deleting cookies sign me out of everything?
Yes, this is the main side effect of clearing cookies. You will be signed out of your email, social media, and shopping accounts. You will need to log back in the next time you visit those pages.
Will this speed up my computer?
It might help the browser run a little bit faster. Over time, thousands of small files can clog up the system. Clearing them out frees up space and can fix laggy performance.
Can I stop websites from tracking me without deleting cookies?
Yes, you can use the Tracking Prevention feature in Edge. This blocks harmful trackers while keeping useful cookies that keep you logged in. It is a good middle ground between privacy and convenience.
Summary of steps
- Click the three dots.
- Select Settings.
- Click Privacy, search, and services.
- Click Choose what to clear.
- Select All time.
- Check the Cookies box.
- Click Clear now.
Conclusion
Taking control of your digital footprint is a smart move for anyone who uses the internet. We often forget that every website we visit leaves a little trace behind on our computer. These traces are like crumbs that fall on the floor when you eat a cookie. Over time, those crumbs pile up and can make a mess of your digital house. By learning how to clean them up, you ensure your browser stays fast and your personal habits stay private.
It is easy to get comfortable and just let the browser handle everything. However, regular maintenance prevents small glitches from turning into big headaches. You do not need to be a computer genius to manage your own security. Simple habits like this make a huge difference in how your computer behaves.
Remember that there is always a trade-off between convenience and privacy. Keeping cookies makes logging in fast, but deleting them keeps advertisers from following you. You now know exactly how to delete cookies in edge whenever you feel the need for a fresh start. Think of it as spring cleaning for your laptop. It only takes a minute, but it keeps your digital life tidy and secure.
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.