Microsoft Edge stores temporary files to speed up browsing, though clearing this cache can fix loading issues and protect privacy. If you’re wondering how to clear cache on microsoft edge, you’ve come to the right place. This guide walks you through every method, from simple clicks to advanced settings, ensuring your browser runs smoothly.
When you visit websites, Edge saves images, scripts, and other data locally. This cache makes pages load faster on return visits. But over time, outdated or corrupted cache files can cause problems. You might see old versions of pages, encounter login errors, or notice slower performance. Clearing the cache regularly solves these issues.
Let’s get straight to the steps. You don’t need any technical skills. Just follow along.
Why Clear Cache On Microsoft Edge
Before we jump into the steps, it helps to understand why you’d want to clear the cache. The main reasons include fixing website glitches, freeing up storage space, and protecting your privacy.
Cache files can become bloated. Over months of browsing, they can take up gigabytes of space. If your computer is running low on disk space, clearing the cache is a quick fix.
Also, some websites update frequently. Your browser might serve you an old cached version instead of the latest one. Clearing the cache forces Edge to fetch fresh content from the server.
Privacy is another big reason. If you share your computer, cached data can reveal which sites you’ve visited. Clearing it removes those traces.
What Happens When You Clear Cache
When you clear the cache, Edge deletes all temporary internet files. This includes images, scripts, and other resources stored locally. Your saved passwords, bookmarks, and browsing history are not affected unless you choose to delete them separately.
After clearing, some websites might load a bit slower initially. That’s normal. They need to rebuild their cache. But subsequent visits will be faster again.
How To Clear Cache On Microsoft Edge (Desktop)
This is the most common method. It works on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Follow these numbered steps carefully.
- Open Microsoft Edge on your computer.
- Click the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner. It looks like …
- From the dropdown menu, select Settings.
- In the left sidebar, click Privacy, search, and services.
- Scroll down to the Clear browsing data section.
- Click the Choose what to clear button.
- A small window will pop up. Under Time range, select All time to clear everything.
- Check the box next to Cached images and files. Uncheck other boxes if you don’t want to delete passwords or history.
- Click the Clear now button.
- Wait a few seconds. Edge will confirm the cache is cleared.
That’s it. You’ve successfully cleared the cache on Microsoft Edge. If you want a faster way, use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + Del on Windows or Command + Shift + Del on Mac. This opens the clear browsing data window directly.
Clear Cache Using Keyboard Shortcut
Using shortcuts saves time. Press Ctrl + Shift + Del (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + Del (Mac). The clear browsing data panel appears instantly. From there, choose the time range and check the cache option. Click Clear now.
This method is ideal if you need to clear cache quickly without navigating through menus.
How To Clear Cache On Microsoft Edge (Mobile)
Edge for Android and iOS also stores cache. Clearing it can fix app crashes or slow loading. Here’s how.
On Android
- Open the Edge app on your Android phone.
- Tap the three-dot menu at the bottom or top-right.
- Select Settings.
- Tap Privacy and security.
- Choose Clear browsing data.
- Set the time range to All time.
- Check Cached images and files.
- Tap Clear data.
On IOS (IPhone/iPad)
- Open Edge on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap the three-dot menu at the bottom.
- Select Settings.
- Tap Privacy and security.
- Choose Clear browsing data.
- Select All time from the time range.
- Toggle on Cached images and files.
- Tap Clear browsing data.
On mobile, the process is very similar to desktop. The options are just arranged a bit differently.
How To Clear Cache On Microsoft Edge Using Settings Menu
This method is for users who prefer a more granular approach. Instead of clearing everything at once, you can choose specific time ranges or data types.
- Open Edge and click the three-dot menu.
- Go to Settings > Privacy, search, and services.
- Under Clear browsing data, click Choose what to clear.
- In the time range dropdown, you can select:
- Last hour
- Last 24 hours
- Last 7 days
- Last 4 weeks
- All time
- Check only Cached images and files.
- Click Clear now.
This is useful if you only want to clear recent cache without affecting older data. For example, if a website started acting up today, clearing the last hour might fix it.
Clear Cache For Specific Sites Only
Edge doesn’t have a built-in option to clear cache for a single site. But you can use the developer tools. Here’s how.
- Open the website you want to clear cache for.
- Press F12 to open Developer Tools.
- Click the Network tab.
- Check the box that says Disable cache (while DevTools is open).
- Refresh the page. Edge will load fresh content for that site only.
This method is temporary. Once you close DevTools, caching resumes normally. It’s handy for web developers or troubleshooting a single site.
How To Clear Cache On Microsoft Edge Automatically
You can set Edge to clear cache every time you close the browser. This keeps your browsing clean without manual effort.
- Open Edge and go to Settings.
- Click Privacy, search, and services.
- Scroll to Clear browsing data.
- Click Choose what to clear every time you close the browser.
- Toggle on Cached images and files.
- You can also toggle other options like cookies or history if desired.
- Close the settings. Now Edge will automatically clear cache on exit.
This is perfect for shared computers or if you value privacy. Every session starts fresh.
How To Clear Cache On Microsoft Edge Using Command Line
Advanced users can clear cache via the command line. This is faster for automation or remote troubleshooting.
- Close Microsoft Edge completely.
- Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
- Type cmd and press Enter.
- In the command prompt, type the following command and press Enter:
del /q /s %LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\Edge\User Data\Default\Cache\* - Wait for the command to execute. It deletes all cache files.
Be careful with this method. It deletes files permanently. Only use it if you’re comfortable with command line tools.
How To Clear Cache On Microsoft Edge For Mac
Mac users have similar steps. The interface is almost identical to Windows.
- Open Edge on your Mac.
- Click the three-dot menu in the top-right.
- Select Settings.
- Go to Privacy, search, and services.
- Under Clear browsing data, click Choose what to clear.
- Set time range to All time.
- Check Cached images and files.
- Click Clear now.
You can also use the shortcut Command + Shift + Del on Mac to open the clear data panel directly.
How To Clear Cache On Microsoft Edge Without Losing Passwords
Many users worry about losing saved passwords. Good news: clearing cache does not affect passwords. Passwords are stored separately under Saved passwords in settings.
When you clear cache, only temporary files are deleted. Your login credentials remain intact. However, if you check the box for Cookies and other site data, you might get logged out of some websites. To avoid that, uncheck that box.
Here’s a safe checklist:
- Check only Cached images and files.
- Uncheck Cookies and other site data.
- Uncheck Browsing history if you want to keep it.
- Uncheck Passwords and Autofill form data.
This way, you clear cache without losing any personal data.
Common Issues After Clearing Cache
Sometimes clearing cache can cause minor issues. Here are a few and how to fix them.
Websites Load Slowly
This is normal. The browser needs to download new cache files. Give it a few visits. Speed will return.
You Get Logged Out
If you checked the cookies option, you’ll need to log in again. That’s expected. Use the password manager to re-enter credentials.
Some Sites Look Broken
Rarely, a website might not load correctly after cache clear. Try refreshing the page. If it persists, clear cookies as well.
How Often Should You Clear Cache
There’s no strict rule. It depends on your usage. Heavy users might clear cache weekly. Casual users can do it monthly. If you notice issues, clear it immediately.
For privacy, clearing cache after each session is ideal. Use the automatic clearing option mentioned earlier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Clearing Cache Delete My Bookmarks?
No. Bookmarks are stored separately and are not affected when you clear cache. Only temporary files are removed.
Will Clearing Cache Speed Up Microsoft Edge?
Yes, often. A bloated cache can slow down the browser. Clearing it frees up resources and can improve performance, especially if you haven’t done it in a while.
Can I Clear Cache Without Clearing Cookies?
Absolutely. In the clear browsing data window, uncheck Cookies and other site data. Only check Cached images and files. This keeps you logged into sites.
What Is The Difference Between Cache And Cookies?
Cache stores website files like images and scripts to speed up loading. Cookies store small pieces of data like login status and preferences. Clearing cache affects performance; clearing cookies affects logins.
Is It Safe To Clear Cache On Microsoft Edge?
Yes, it is completely safe. It removes temporary files that are no longer needed. Your personal data, downloads, and settings remain untouched.
Final Thoughts
Now you know how to clear cache on microsoft edge using multiple methods. Whether you prefer the settings menu, keyboard shortcuts, or automatic clearing, the process is simple. Regular cache maintenance keeps your browser fast and your privacy protected.
If you encounter any issues, refer back to this guide. The steps are the same across different versions of Edge. Happy browsing!