What clearing cache does and why you might want to

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 cache, you delete those stored files — which frees up disk space, can fix loading problems, and removes browsing history that websites use to track you.

Most people clear cache for one of three reasons: their browser is running slowly, a website is not loading correctly, or they want to remove stored login information before selling or lending their computer. Clearing cache will not damage your system or delete your actual files — it only removes temporary copies.

The process is different in Windows and Mac, and different again depending on which browser you use. This guide covers the most common routes: clearing browser cache in Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge, plus clearing system cache in both operating systems.

Key Takeaways

  • Browser cache clears through your browser settings, usually under History or Privacy, and takes less than a minute.
  • Windows system cache can be cleared through Disk Cleanup or by manually deleting the Temp folder, which frees up gigabytes of space.
  • Mac system cache lives in the Library folder and requires opening Finder, navigating to Library, then deleting the Caches folder.
  • Clearing cache will not delete your passwords, saved files, or bookmarks unless you specifically choose those options during the process.
  • If a website loads incorrectly after clearing cache, the problem is usually on the website's end, not your computer.

Clearing cache in Google 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 from the dropdown menu. Choose "All time" to clear everything, or pick a specific range like "Last 24 hours" or "Last 7 days". Below that, check the box next to "Cached images and files" — this is the main cache. You can also check "Cookies and other site data" if you want to log out of websites, but leave "Passwords" unchecked unless you want to delete those too.

Click the blue "Clear data" button. Chrome will process for a few seconds and then show a confirmation. The cache is now gone.

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.

In the "Time range to clear" dropdown, select "Everything" to wipe all cache, or choose a specific period. Below that, make sure "Cache" is checked — it usually is by default. You can also check "Cookies" to log out of sites, but "Passwords" should stay unchecked unless you want to remove those.

Click "Clear Now". Firefox clears the cache when ready and closes the window.

Clearing cache in Safari

Safari does not have a keyboard shortcut for cache clearing, so you must use the menu. Click "Safari" in the top menu bar, then select "Clear History". A dropdown appears asking how far back to clear — choose "All history" to remove all cache.

Click "Clear History". Safari will process for a moment, then the window closes. The cache is cleared.

If you want more control over what gets deleted, go to Safari menu > Preferences > Privacy, then click "Manage Website Data". You can select specific websites and click "Remove" to delete only their cached data, or click "Remove All" to clear everything at once.

Clearing cache in Microsoft Edge

Open Edge and press Ctrl + Shift + Delete on Windows. This opens the Clear Browsing Data window.

At the top, select your time range — "All time" clears everything. Check the box next to "Cached images and files". You can also check "Cookies and other site data" to log out of websites, but leave "Passwords" unchecked unless you want to remove those.

Click "Clear now". Edge processes the request and shows a confirmation message when done.

Clearing system cache in Windows

System cache is different from browser cache — it is temporary files your operating system creates while running programs. Clearing it frees up disk space without affecting your documents or installed programs.

The easiest method is Disk Cleanup. Press Windows key + R, type cleanmgr, and press Enter. A window opens showing categories of temporary files. Check the boxes next to "Temporary files", "Recycle Bin", and "Temporary internet files". Click "OK", then "Delete Files" to confirm. Windows will delete these files, which usually frees up several gigabytes.

If you want to clear the Temp folder manually, press Windows key + R, type %temp%, and press Enter. A folder opens showing temporary files. Press Ctrl + A to select all, then press Delete. Windows may say some files are in use — click "Skip" for those. The rest will be deleted.

Clearing system cache in Mac

Mac system cache is stored in the Library folder, which is hidden by default. Open Finder and press Command + Shift + G to open "Go to Folder". Type ~/Library/Caches and press Enter. The Caches folder opens.

Select all files in this folder by pressing Command + A, then press Command + Delete to move them to Trash. Some files may be locked — Mac will skip those automatically. Empty your Trash afterward by right-clicking the Trash icon in the Dock and selecting "Empty Trash".

This clears system cache but does not affect your documents, applications, or settings. If an process stops working after clearing cache, restart the process — it will rebuild the cache it needs.

What to do if clearing cache does not fix the problem

If a website still loads slowly or incorrectly after clearing cache, the problem is usually on the website's end, not your computer. Try the same website in a different browser — if it works fine in Firefox but not Chrome, the issue is browser-specific and clearing cache will not help.

If a website works in an older browser but not a newer one, the website may not support your browser version. Check the website's support page or contact them directly.

If your entire computer is slow after clearing cache, restart it. Clearing cache does not speed up a slow computer unless the cache folder was taking up most of your disk space — you can check this by opening File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac) and looking at how much free space you have now compared to before.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will clearing cache delete my passwords and bookmarks?

No, unless you specifically check those boxes during the clearing process. Browser cache is separate from passwords and bookmarks. If you only check "Cached images and files", your passwords and bookmarks stay intact. If you want to remove passwords too, you must check that box yourself.

How often should I clear my cache?

There is no set schedule. Clear cache when your browser is running slowly, when a website is not loading correctly, or before you sell or lend your computer. Most people clear cache once a month or less. Clearing it more often will not improve performance unless your cache folder is very large.

Can I clear cache automatically?

Yes. In Chrome, go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Clear Browsing Data, then check "On exit" at the top. Chrome will clear cache every time you close the browser. Firefox and Edge have similar options in their settings under Privacy.

What is the difference between cache and cookies?

Cache stores images, scripts, and other files to load websites faster. Cookies store login information and website preferences. Clearing cache does not log you out of websites — clearing cookies does. You can clear one without clearing the other.

Is it safe to delete everything in the Temp folder on Windows?

Yes, as long as no programs are currently running. Windows will skip any files that are in use. If you get an error message, close all open programs and try again. Temp files are meant to be temporary and can always be deleted.