What clearing your cache does and why you might do it

Cache is temporary data your browser and operating system store to load websites and programs faster the next time you use them. When you clear it, you delete those stored files — your browser will reload pages fresh, and some programs may run slightly slower on first use until new cache builds up again.

Most people clear cache to free up disk space, fix a website that loads incorrectly, remove browsing history, or troubleshoot a program that has started acting strange. You do not need to clear cache often; once every few months is typical unless you are running low on storage or dealing with a specific problem.

Key Takeaways

  • Browser cache clears through your browser settings under History or Privacy — the exact path depends on whether you use Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge.
  • Windows cache clears through Disk Cleanup or Storage Settings; Mac cache clears through Safari settings or by emptying the Trash after deleting Library folders.
  • Clearing cache removes temporary files but does not delete your passwords, bookmarks, or saved login information unless you specifically choose those options.
  • You can set your browser to clear cache automatically every time you close it, which removes the need to do it manually.

Clearing cache in Chrome

Open Chrome and press Ctrl + Shift + Delete on Windows, or Command + Shift + Delete on Mac. This opens the Clear Browsing Data window directly.

At the top, select the time range: "All time" clears everything, "Last hour" clears only the most recent data, and "Last 7 days" or "Last 4 weeks" fall in between. Check the box next to "Cookies and other site data" and "Cached images and files." Leave "Passwords and other sign-in data" unchecked unless you want to remove saved passwords. Click "Clear data" at the bottom right.

Clearing cache in Firefox

Open Firefox and press Ctrl + Shift + Delete on Windows, or Command + Shift + Delete on Mac. The Clear Recent History window appears.

Select your time range from the dropdown at the top — "Everything" clears all cache, or choose a specific range. Make sure "Cache" is checked. You can also check "Cookies" to remove stored login data, though this will log you out of most websites. Click "Clear Now" to finish.

Clearing cache in Safari (Mac only)

Open Safari and click the menu bar at the top. Select "Safari," then "Settings." Click the "Privacy" tab.

Click "Manage Website Data" to see a list of sites that have stored data on your computer. You can select individual sites and click "Remove" to delete only their cache, or click "Remove All" to clear everything at once. Close the window when done.

Clearing cache in Microsoft Edge

Open Edge and press Ctrl + Shift + Delete on Windows. The Clear Browsing Data window opens on the right side of the screen.

Select your time range at the top. Check "Cookies and other site data" and "Cached images and files." Leave "Passwords" unchecked unless you want to remove saved passwords. Click "Clear now" to finish.

Clearing system cache on Windows

Windows stores temporary files separate from your browser. Press Windows key + I to open Settings, then click "System" on the left. Select "Storage" and scroll down to "Temporary files."

Click "Temporary files" to see what is taking up space. Check the boxes next to "Temporary files," "Recycle Bin," and "Temporary internet files," then click "Remove files" at the bottom. Windows will delete these items when ready.

Alternatively, you can use Disk Cleanup, an older Windows tool that does the same thing. Press Windows key + R, type "cleanmgr," and press Enter. Select your drive, check the same temporary file categories, and click "OK."

Clearing system cache on Mac

Mac does not have a built-in cache-clearing tool like Windows does, but you can manually delete cache folders. Open Finder and press Command + Shift + G to open "Go to Folder."

Type ~/Library/Caches and press Enter. This folder contains cache files from your applications. Select all files (Command + A), then drag them to the Trash. Empty the Trash afterward to permanently delete them. Be aware that some applications may run slower the first time you use them after clearing cache, as they rebuild their temporary files.

Setting your browser to clear cache automatically

You can configure most browsers to clear cache every time you close them, so you never have to do it manually. In Chrome, open Settings, click "Privacy and security," then "Clear browsing data." Check the box that says "Clear cookies and other site data when you quit Chrome." In Firefox, go to Settings, click "Privacy & Security," scroll to "Cookies and Site Data," and check "Delete cookies and site data when Firefox is closed."

Edge and Safari have similar options in their settings menus. Turning this on means your browser will not remember you on websites unless you specifically ask it to, so you may need to log in more often — but your cache will never build up enough to slow your computer down.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will clearing cache delete my passwords and bookmarks?

No. Cache is separate from passwords and bookmarks. When you clear cache, you are only removing temporary files that websites and programs stored. Your saved passwords, bookmarks, and browsing history stay intact unless you specifically check those boxes during the clearing process.

How much space does cache usually take up?

Browser cache typically ranges from 100 megabytes to a few gigabytes, depending on how long you have been using the browser without clearing it. System cache on Windows can be larger. If your computer has a small hard drive, clearing cache every few months can help, but it is not usually urgent unless you are running critically low on storage.

Why is my website loading incorrectly after I cleared cache?

Sometimes a website's code changes but your browser is still loading an old cached version. After you clear cache, the site should load the current version. If it still looks wrong, try closing and reopening your browser, or wait a few minutes for the site's servers to update.

Is it safe to delete everything in the Caches folder on Mac?

Yes, it is safe. Cache files are temporary and will be rebuilt automatically. However, some applications may take longer to open the first time after you clear cache, as they regenerate their temporary files. Avoid deleting anything in the Library folder itself — only delete the contents of the Caches subfolder.

Can I clear cache on my phone the same way?

No. Phone browsers have different settings. On iPhone, go to Settings, find your browser (Safari, Chrome, etc.), and look for an option to clear history and website data. On Android, open your browser settings and find "Clear browsing data" or "Privacy." The steps vary by phone and browser, so check your device's help menu if you cannot find the option.