How to Clear Cache in Microsoft Edge on Windows 10
Clearing the cache in Microsoft Edge isn’t just tech jargon — it’s a handy trick to keep your browsing speedy and to avoid those pesky website glitches. When you revisit a site, Edge loads some of your saved data to make things quicker. But sometimes, old files can clutter up the place and cause display or functionality issues. Clearing the cache means wiping out those outdated files and fetching fresh content from the web.
Getting Started
First off, open Microsoft Edge by clicking its icon on your desktop or taskbar. Make sure it’s up to date — not only does that help keep everything running smoothly, but it also prevents some common issues. Head over to Settings and more (the three-dot menu in the corner), then select Help and feedback > About Microsoft Edge to check if there’s an update waiting.
Accessing Settings
Once you’re in Edge, click the three-dot menu again and choose Settings. Or if you’re more keyboard-inclined, press Alt + F and then S. This opens up the setting hub where the magic (and the occasional frustration) happens.
Navigating to Privacy Settings
On the left-hand sidebar, click on Privacy, search, and services. There, you’ll see all your privacy controls, including what info Microsoft is storing. Alternatively, you can type edge://settings/privacy directly into the address bar and hit Enter for a quick shortcut.
Clearing Your Cache
Scroll down to find the Clear browsing data section, then click on Choose what to clear. A pop-up window will show various data types; focus on ticking the box for Cached images and files. You can skip the rest unless you fancy logging into every site all over again. For quick access, press Ctrl + Shift + Del and you’ll land straight in the right spot.
Picking What to Delete
Ensure the Cached images and files box is ticked. There are other options, but to keep things simple, just focus on that. You can also select how far back you want to clear data from via the Time range menu — if you want a clean start, choose All time.
Clearing the Cache
Click Clear now, and voilà — those cached files are gone. Your sites might load a bit slower at first since Edge has to fetch new data, but that’s a good thing! Pro tip: after clearing, pressing Ctrl + Shift + R manually reloads the pages, bypassing the cache for a fresh view.
Keeping Things Spotless
It’s a good idea to clear your cache regularly — it can save you a lot of headaches. Setting aside a day once a month for a quick tidy-up works well, especially if you visit sites that update often. Heads up: clearing cookies along with the cache will log you out of sites, so jot down any important login info beforehand. For a hands-off approach, you can set up Edge to clear its cache every time you close it. Just go to Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Clear browsing data on exit and toggle that on.
Common Questions
Why should I clear the cache?
It helps get rid of annoying junk files and can give your browser a performance boost. Think of it like a spring clean for your internet browsing — many users notice pages load faster after a quick clear-out.
Will clearing the cache delete my passwords?
No worries — your saved passwords stay safe unless you choose to delete them specifically. If you want to tidy up stored passwords, head to Settings > Profiles > Passwords.
How often should I clear the cache?
Depends on how much you browse: once a month is usually fine. If things start lagging or sites don’t load right, it’s worth clearing more often.
Will clearing the cache remove my browsing history?
Only if you select that option. You need to choose specifically to delete your browsing history if that’s what you want.
Can I undo clearing the cache?
Unfortunately, once it’s gone, it’s gone. So, be sure before hitting Clear now. Back up any important passwords or data if needed.
Quick Steps to Clear Your Cache in Edge
- Open Microsoft Edge.
- Access the menu with the three dots or press Alt + F, then click Settings.
- Go to Privacy, search, and services.
- Click Choose what to clear or press Ctrl + Shift + Del.
- Tick Cached images and files and select your preferred Time range.
- Hit Clear now.
Managing your cache isn’t just about housekeeping — it helps your browser run more smoothly. Regular clearing can fix minor issues like slow loading or errors on websites. A quick routine keeps everything clicking along nicely — simple as that!