What clearing your cache does and why you might need to
Cache is temporary data your browser and computer store to load websites and programs faster. Over time, cached files pile up and can slow your machine down, cause websites to load outdated versions, or free up disk space you need. Clearing cache is safe — your computer will rebuild it automatically as you use programs and browse.
You have two types of cache to clear: your web browser cache (stored by Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge) and your system cache (temporary files Windows or Mac creates). Most people only need to clear browser cache, but if your computer is running slowly or you are low on storage space, clearing system cache helps too.
The process takes less than five minutes and requires no special tools or downloads.
Key Takeaways
- Browser cache clears through your browser settings — Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge all have a "Clear browsing data" or "Clear history" option in their menu.
- Windows users can clear system cache through Disk Cleanup or by deleting the Temp folder, both found through Settings or File Explorer.
- Mac users clear system cache through Storage settings or by manually deleting the Library/Caches folder using Finder.
- You can set your browser to clear cache automatically every time you close it, so you do not have to do it manually.
- Clearing cache does not delete your passwords, bookmarks, or saved login information unless you specifically choose those options.
How to clear cache in Chrome
Open Chrome and click the three vertical dots in the top right corner. Select Settings from the menu, then click Privacy and security on the left side. Choose Clear browsing data.
A window will pop up. At the top, select the time range — All time clears everything, or you can pick Last hour, Last 24 hours, Last 7 days, or Last 4 weeks. Check the box next to Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files. Leave the other boxes unchecked unless you want to delete passwords or browsing history too. Click Clear data.
To make Chrome clear cache automatically, go back to Settings and Privacy and security. Under Clear browsing data, toggle on Clear cookies and site data when you quit Chrome.
How to clear cache in Firefox
Open Firefox and click the three horizontal lines in the top right corner. Select Settings, then click Privacy & Security on the left. Scroll down to Cookies and Site Data and click Clear Data.
A box will appear. Make sure Cookies and Site Data and Cached Web Content are both checked. Click Clear. Firefox will clear all cached data when ready.
To clear cache automatically, stay in Settings and Privacy & Security. Under History, find the dropdown that says Firefox will and select Use custom settings for history. Check the box that says Clear history when Firefox closes.
How to clear cache in Safari and Edge
In Safari, click Safari in the top menu bar, then select Clear History. Choose how far back you want to clear — all history is the default. Click Clear History. Safari also clears cached files when you clear history, so you do not need a separate step.
In Microsoft Edge, click the three dots in the top right, then select Settings. Click Privacy, search, and services on the left. Under Clear browsing data, click Choose what to clear. Select your time range, check Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files, and click Clear now.
Both Safari and Edge can clear cache on exit. In Safari, go to Safari > Settings > Privacy and check Remove all website data when quitting Safari. In Edge, go to Settings > Privacy, search, and services and toggle on Clear browsing data under Clear browsing data.
How to clear system cache on Windows
Windows stores temporary files in a folder called Temp. The fastest way to clear them is through Disk Cleanup. Press the Windows key and type Disk Cleanup, then open it. Select your main drive (usually C:) and click OK.
A window will show categories of files you can delete. Check the boxes next to Temporary files, Recycle Bin, and Temporary Internet Files. You can also check Windows Update Cleanup if you want to free up more space, though this takes longer. Click Delete Files and confirm.
If Disk Cleanup does not appear, you can delete the Temp folder manually. Press Windows key + R, type %temp%, and press Enter. A folder will open. Select all files (Ctrl + A), delete them, and ignore any warnings about files in use — Windows will skip those.
How to clear system cache on Mac
Mac stores cache files in a hidden folder. Open Finder and click Finder in the top menu, then select Settings. Click the Advanced tab and check Show all filename extensions. Close the window.
Now open Finder again and press Command + Shift + G to open the Go to Folder dialog. Type ~/Library/Caches and press Enter. A folder will open showing all your cached files. Select all (Command + A) and drag them to the Trash, or right-click and choose Move to Trash. Empty the Trash when done.
You can also use Mac's built-in Storage tool. Click the Apple menu, select About This Mac, then click Storage. Click Manage and look for Cache Files or Temporary Files. Select them and click Delete.
What happens after you clear cache
After clearing cache, websites may load slightly slower the first time you visit them because your browser has to read files fresh instead of using stored copies. This slowdown is temporary — usually just a few seconds. After that, your browser will start caching again and pages will load normally.
Your passwords, bookmarks, and saved login information stay intact unless you specifically checked those boxes during the clearing process. You will not lose any of your personal data or settings.
If clearing cache does not speed up your computer noticeably, the slowdown may be caused by something else — too many browser extensions, a full hard drive, or a virus. Check your disk space and consider running a malware scan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will clearing cache delete my passwords and saved logins?
No. Passwords and saved login information are stored separately from cache. When you clear cache, you only remove temporary files and website data. Your passwords stay unless you specifically check a box labeled "Passwords" or "Autofill data" during the clearing process.
How often should I clear my cache?
If you set your browser to clear cache automatically when you close it, you do not need to do anything manually. If you prefer to clear it yourself, once a month is enough for most people. Clear it sooner if your computer is running slowly or you are running low on disk space.
Can clearing cache break anything on my computer?
No. Cache is temporary data that your computer rebuilds automatically. Clearing it is completely safe and will not damage any programs or files. The only side effect is that websites may load slightly slower the first time you visit them after clearing.
What is the difference between clearing cache and clearing cookies?
Cache stores images, scripts, and other files to make websites load faster. Cookies store information like your login status and preferences. Clearing cache does not sign you out of websites, but clearing cookies does. Most people clear both at the same time.
Do I need to clear system cache if I already cleared browser cache?
Browser cache and system cache are separate. Clearing browser cache helps websites load faster and frees up some space. Clearing system cache frees up more space and can help if your computer is running slowly overall. You only need to clear system cache if you are low on disk space or your computer feels sluggish.