What clearing your cache does and why you might want to

Cache is temporary data your computer stores to load websites, programs, and files faster the next time you use them. Over time, cached files pile up and can slow down your browser, take up disk space, or cause websites to load outdated versions. Clearing your cache removes these temporary files and frees up storage.

You might clear cache if a website looks broken or won't load properly, if you're selling or giving away your computer, or if you straightforward want to reclaim gigabytes of disk space. The process is different depending on whether you use Windows or Mac, and whether you're clearing browser cache or system cache.

Key Takeaways

  • Browser cache lives inside your web browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge) and is separate from system cache on your hard drive.
  • In most browsers, you can clear cache by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Delete (Windows) or Command+Shift+Delete (Mac), then selecting "All time" or "Everything" before clicking Clear.
  • System cache on Windows lives in the Temp folder and can be cleared by typing %temp% into the search bar, selecting all files, and deleting them.
  • Mac users can clear system cache by opening Finder, pressing Command+Shift+G, typing ~/Library/Caches, and deleting the contents of that folder.
  • Clearing cache is safe and will not delete your passwords, bookmarks, or saved login information unless you specifically choose those options.

Clearing cache in Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari

The fastest way to clear browser cache is to use the keyboard shortcut. Press Ctrl+Shift+Delete on Windows or Command+Shift+Delete on Mac. This opens the cache-clearing window directly.

Once the window opens, look for a dropdown menu that says "Time range" or "Clear data from". Select "All time" or "Everything" to remove all cached files, not just the last hour or day. Make sure the box next to "Cached images and files" is checked. Then click the button to clear (it may say "Clear data", "Clear browsing data", or "Clear history").

If the keyboard shortcut does not work, you can reach the same window through the menu. In Chrome and Edge, click the three-dot menu in the top right, select Settings, then Privacy and Security, then Clear browsing data. In Firefox, click the menu button (three horizontal lines), select Settings, then Privacy & Security, scroll to Cookies and Site Data, and click Clear. In Safari, click Safari in the top menu bar, select Settings, go to Privacy, click Manage Website Data, select all, and click Remove.

Clearing system cache on Windows

System cache is different from browser cache — it is temporary files your operating system creates while you work. To clear it on Windows, open the search bar at the bottom left of your screen and type %temp%. Press Enter. A folder will open containing temporary files.

Press Ctrl+A to select all files in the folder. Right-click and choose Delete. Windows may tell you that some files are in use and cannot be deleted — that is normal. Click "Skip" or "Continue" to delete the rest. You can also clear the Prefetch folder, which stores data about programs you run. Type %systemroot%\Prefetch into the search bar, select all files, and delete them the same way.

If you want to clear cache more thoroughly, you can use Disk Cleanup, a built-in Windows tool. Type Disk Cleanup into the search bar and open it. Select your C: drive (or whichever drive holds Windows), and the tool will scan for temporary files. Check the boxes next to "Temporary files", "Recycle Bin", and "Temporary internet files", then click Delete Files.

Clearing system cache on Mac

On Mac, system cache is stored in a hidden folder called Library. Open Finder and press Command+Shift+G to open the "Go to Folder" dialog. Type ~/Library/Caches and press Enter. A folder will open showing cache files from your programs and operating system.

You can delete the entire Caches folder or select individual program folders inside it. If you delete the whole folder, macOS will recreate it automatically as you use your computer. To delete everything, press Command+A to select all, then press Command+Delete to move files to Trash. Empty your Trash afterward to permanently remove them.

If you want to be more selective, you can open individual folders — for example, the Google folder contains Chrome cache, and the Firefox folder contains Firefox cache. Delete only the folders for programs you want to clear cache from.

What you should know before clearing cache

Clearing cache is safe and will not damage your computer or delete important files. Your passwords, bookmarks, autofill information, and saved logins remain intact unless you specifically check the box to delete them (most cache-clearing windows have separate checkboxes for these, and they are usually unchecked by default).

After you clear cache, websites may load slightly slower the first time you visit them, because your browser has to read all the images and data again instead of loading them from storage. This slowdown is temporary and usually not noticeable. Some websites may also ask you to log in again if you cleared login cookies along with cache.

If you clear system cache and a program stops working afterward, restart your computer. The program will rebuild its cache files automatically. You do not need to reinstall anything.

When to clear cache yourself versus when to ask for help

Clearing cache is a straightforward task you can do yourself using the steps above. The process takes only a few minutes and carries no risk to your computer or files. Most people find the keyboard shortcut method (Ctrl+Shift+Delete or Command+Shift+Delete) the easiest starting point.

However, if your computer is running very slowly even after clearing cache, or if you are not comfortable navigating hidden folders on Mac, a local computer repair shop can do this for you in minutes. If you are preparing to sell or donate your computer, a professional can also wipe your drive more thoroughly than cache clearing alone, which is worth considering for privacy reasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will clearing cache delete my passwords and saved logins?

No, unless you specifically check the box for "Cookies" or "Passwords" in the cache-clearing window. Most browsers keep passwords separate from cache. If you only clear cached images and files, your logins stay intact.

How much space will I free up by clearing cache?

Browser cache typically uses between 100 MB and 2 GB depending on how long you have been using the browser. System cache can be larger. The exact amount varies by computer and usage, so you will see the space freed after you complete the deletion.

Do I need to clear cache regularly?

No, but clearing it every few months can help keep your computer running smoothly and free up disk space. If you notice websites loading slowly or looking broken, clearing cache is a good first troubleshooting step.

What is the difference between clearing cache and clearing cookies?

Cache stores images, videos, and files to load websites faster. Cookies store information like your login status and website preferences. Clearing cache does not affect cookies unless you check that box separately.

Can I clear cache without restarting my computer?

Yes. Clearing browser cache takes effect when ready. Clearing system cache also does not require a restart, though restarting afterward can help your computer run more smoothly.