What cache is and why you should clear it

Cache is temporary data your computer stores to load websites, programs, and files faster the next time you use them. Your browser saves images and page code. Your operating system caches recently used files. Windows stores thumbnail previews. Over time, this pile grows large enough to slow down your machine or use up disk space you need for other things.

Clearing cache does not delete your passwords, saved usernames, or files you actually created. It removes only the temporary copies your system made to speed things up. After you clear it, websites will load slightly slower the first time you visit them again, then return to normal speed as new cache builds.

Most people clear cache once every few months, or more often if their computer is running slowly or they are running low on storage space. You can also set your browser to clear cache automatically when you close it.

Key Takeaways

  • Browser cache lives in your browser settings and is separate from your operating system cache; you may need to clear both.
  • Windows users can clear cache through Settings > System > Storage > Temporary files, or through their browser's settings menu.
  • Mac users can clear browser cache in Safari, Chrome, or Firefox settings, and system cache through the Finder's Go menu or third-party tools.
  • Clearing cache is safe and will not delete your passwords, bookmarks, or files you created yourself.
  • You can set most browsers to clear cache automatically each time you close them.

How to clear browser cache in Windows

Your web browser stores the most frequently accessed cache. The steps differ slightly by browser, but all are found in Settings or Preferences.

In Chrome: Click the three-dot menu in the top right corner, select Settings, then Privacy and Security. Choose Clear Browsing Data. A window will open with options for what to delete. Check the box next to Cookies and Other Site Data and Cached Images and Files. At the top, set the time range to All Time if you want to clear everything, or choose a shorter period. Click Clear Data.

In Firefox: Click the hamburger menu (three horizontal lines) in the top right, select Settings, then Privacy & Security. Scroll to Cookies and Site Data and click Clear Data. Check both boxes: Cookies and Site Data and Cached Web Content. Click Clear.

In Microsoft Edge: Click the three-dot menu in the top right, select Settings, then Privacy, Search, and Services. Under Clear Browsing Data, click Choose What to Clear. Check Cookies and Other Site Data and Cached Images and Files. Set the time range and click Clear Now.

How to clear system cache in Windows

Windows itself stores temporary files separate from your browser. These include installation files, thumbnails, and temporary downloads. Clearing them frees up disk space without affecting your programs or files.

Open Settings by pressing Windows Key + I. Go to System, then Storage. Click Temporary Files. Windows will show you how much space temporary files are using. Check the boxes next to Temporary Files, Recycle Bin, and Downloads (if you want to delete old downloads). Click Remove Files. Windows will ask you to confirm; click Delete Files.

This process is safe. Windows will not delete files you are currently using or files you saved intentionally. It removes only the temporary copies.

How to clear browser cache on Mac

Mac browsers store cache in their own settings, separate from the operating system.

In Safari: Click Safari in the menu bar at the top of the screen, then select Settings. Go to the Privacy tab. Click Manage Website Data. Select all the websites listed (or select individual ones) and click Remove. Close the window and your cache is cleared.

In Chrome on Mac: Click Chrome in the menu bar, then Settings. Select Privacy and Security, then Clear Browsing Data. Check Cookies and Other Site Data and Cached Images and Files. Set the time range to All Time and click Clear Data.

In Firefox on Mac: Click Firefox in the menu bar, then Settings. Go to Privacy & Security. Under Cookies and Site Data, click Clear Data. Check both boxes and click Clear.

How to clear system cache on Mac

Mac stores system cache in hidden folders that are harder to access than Windows temporary files. Most users do not need to clear system cache manually because macOS manages it automatically. However, if your Mac is running very slowly, you can clear it.

Open Finder and press Command + Shift + G to open the Go to Folder dialog. Type ~/Library/Caches and press Enter. This folder contains cache files for your programs. You can delete individual folders (for example, the Chrome or Firefox cache folder) or select all and delete them. Do not delete the entire Caches folder itself, only the contents. If you are unsure which folder belongs to which program, delete only the cache for the browser or program that is causing problems.

Alternatively, you can use a third-party cleaning tool like CleanMyMac or Disk Diag, which have graphical interfaces and are safer for users unfamiliar with hidden folders.

Set 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, go to Privacy and Security, and find Clear Browsing Data. Check the box next to On Exit, Clear Cookies and Other Site Data and Cached Images and Files. From now on, Chrome will clear these items when you close all Chrome windows.

In Firefox: Open Settings, go to Privacy & Security, and scroll to Cookies and Site Data. Check the box next to Delete Cookies and Site Data When Firefox Is Closed.

In Safari: Open Settings, go to the Privacy tab, and check the box next to Remove All Website Data When Quitting Safari.

In Microsoft Edge: Open Settings, go to Privacy, Search, and Services, and toggle on Clear Browsing Data at the Close of the Browser. Then click Choose What to Clear Every Time You Close the Browser and select Cookies and Other Site Data and Cached Images and Files.

What to do if clearing cache does not speed up your computer

If your computer is still slow after clearing cache, the problem may be something else. Check how much free disk space you have left. If you have less than 10 percent of your drive free, your computer will run slowly even after clearing cache. You may need to delete large files, uninstall programs you no longer use, or move files to external storage.

You can also check what programs are running in the background. In Windows, open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc and look at the Processes tab to see what is using CPU and memory. On Mac, open Activity Monitor (in Applications > Utilities) and sort by CPU or Memory to see what is consuming resources. Close programs you are not using.

If your computer is still slow, the issue may be a hardware problem like a failing hard drive, insufficient RAM, or malware. Running a malware scan with Windows Defender (Windows) or Malwarebytes (Mac) can rule that out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will clearing cache delete my passwords and saved usernames?

No. Cache and saved passwords are stored separately. When you clear cache, your browser keeps your saved passwords, usernames, and bookmarks. If you want to delete saved passwords, you have to do that in a different settings menu.

How often should I clear my cache?

Most people clear cache once every one to three months, or when their computer is running slowly. If you set your browser to clear cache automatically when you close it, you do not need to do it manually at all. The choice depends on how much you value the small speed boost from cache versus the disk space it uses.

Can I clear cache for just one website instead of everything?

Yes. In Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, you can click the lock icon next to the website address in the address bar, then click Cookies and Site Data, and delete only that site's data. In Safari, you can select individual websites in the Manage Website Data window and click Remove.

What is the difference between cache and cookies?

Cache stores images, code, and files to make websites load faster. Cookies store information about you — like your login status or shopping cart — so websites remember you. Both are temporary and both can be cleared, but they serve different purposes. Clearing cookies will log you out of websites.

Is it safe to clear cache?

Yes, it is completely safe. Cache is temporary data your computer created; it is not part of your operating system or your files. Clearing it will not break anything. The only side effect is that websites will load slightly slower the first time you visit them after clearing cache, then return to normal speed.