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 code from websites. Your operating system stores recently opened files. Applications keep copies of data they've downloaded. Over time, this cache builds up and can slow your computer down, use up storage space, or cause a program to display outdated information.

Clearing cache is one of the fastest ways to free up storage and fix common problems like a browser that won't load a page correctly or an process that's running slowly. The process is different depending on whether you use Windows or Mac, and whether you want to clear browser cache, system cache, or both.

Key Takeaways

  • Browser cache lives in your web browser's settings and can be cleared in under a minute from the History or Settings menu.
  • Windows users can clear system cache through Disk Cleanup or by deleting the Temp folder, while Mac users can use the Storage settings or manually delete Library folders.
  • Clearing cache frees up storage space and can fix problems like slow loading or outdated page displays, but won't delete your passwords or saved login information.
  • You should clear cache every few months, or when ready if a website isn't loading correctly or a program is running slowly.

Clear browser cache in Chrome, Firefox, and Edge

Most people need to clear browser cache — the temporary files your web browser stores. The steps are similar across Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, though the menu names differ slightly.

In Chrome: Click the three vertical dots in the top right corner, select "Settings," then click "Privacy and security" on the left. Choose "Clear browsing data." A window will pop up. Make sure "Cached images and files" is checked, set the time range to "All time" if you want to clear everything, then click "Clear data."

In Firefox: Click the three horizontal lines in the top right, select "Settings," then click "Privacy & Security" on the left. Scroll down to "Cookies and Site Data" and click "Clear Data." Check both "Cookies and Site Data" and "Cached Web Content," then click "Clear."

In Edge: Click the three dots in the top right, select "Settings," then click "Privacy, search, and services" on the left. Under "Clear browsing data," click "Choose what to clear." Check "Cached images and files," set the time range to "All time," then click "Clear now."

Clear system cache on Windows using Disk Cleanup

Windows stores temporary system files in a folder called Temp. The easiest way to clear these is through Disk Cleanup, a built-in Windows tool. Open the Start menu, type "Disk Cleanup," and click the app when it appears. A window will ask you to select a drive — choose your main drive (usually C:) and click OK.

Disk Cleanup will scan your drive for a few seconds. When the results appear, look for "Temporary files" and check the box next to it. You can also check "Recycle Bin" and "Temporary internet files" if you want to clear those too. Click "Delete Files" at the bottom. Windows will ask you to confirm — click "Delete" again.

If Disk Cleanup doesn't show much to delete, you can manually clear the Temp folder. Open File Explorer, type %temp% in the address bar at the top, and press Enter. This opens your Temp folder. Select all files (Ctrl+A), then press Delete. Some files may be in use and won't delete — that's normal. Just skip those.

Clear system cache on Mac using Storage settings

Mac stores cache in several places, but the easiest method is through System Settings. Click the Apple menu in the top left, select "System Settings," then click "General" on the left. Click "Storage" and wait for your Mac to calculate how much space each category uses.

Look for "Caches" or "Other" — these contain temporary files. Unfortunately, Mac doesn't have a one-click button to clear all cache through Settings. Instead, you can use the built-in Optimize Storage feature, which automatically removes old cache files. Scroll down in the Storage window and click "Optimize" if you see that option.

For more thorough clearing, you can manually delete cache folders. Open Finder, press Command+Shift+G to open "Go to Folder," type ~/Library/Caches, and press Enter. This folder contains cache for most of your applications. You can delete individual app folders here, but be careful not to delete anything you're unsure about. Restart your Mac after deleting cache files.

Clear cache for specific applications

Some applications store their own cache separate from your browser and system. If a particular program is running slowly or displaying old information, clearing its cache can help. The steps vary by process, but the general process is similar.

Open the process's settings or preferences menu — this is usually under a menu labeled "Edit," "Tools," or the process's name at the top. Look for an option called "Cache," "Storage," "Data," or "Clear History." Click it and confirm. For example, Spotify has a "Cache" option under Settings, and Slack has "Clear Cache" under Preferences.

If you can't find a cache option in the process itself, you can delete the process's cache folder manually. On Windows, open File Explorer and type %appdata% in the address bar, then look for a folder with the process's name. On Mac, open Finder, press Command+Shift+G, type ~/Library/process Support, and look for the process's folder. Delete the cache subfolder inside.

What happens after you clear cache

After clearing cache, websites and applications will take slightly longer to load the first time you use them, because your computer has to read the files again instead of using the stored copies. This slowdown is temporary — usually just a few extra seconds. After that first load, everything returns to normal speed.

Clearing cache will not delete your passwords, saved login information, or browsing history (unless you specifically checked those boxes). Your bookmarks and settings stay in place. The only thing that changes is that websites may ask you to log in again, and pages may load a bit slower on the first visit.

How often to clear cache and when to do it when ready

You don't need to clear cache constantly. Most people benefit from clearing browser cache every two to three months, and system cache every few months. However, clear cache when ready if a website isn't displaying correctly, a program is running noticeably slower than usual, or you're running low on storage space.

If you notice your computer is sluggish or a website shows outdated information, clearing cache is one of the first troubleshooting steps to try. It takes less than five minutes and often solves the problem. If clearing cache doesn't help, the issue is likely something else, and you may need to restart your computer or check for malware.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will clearing cache delete my passwords and saved login information?

No. Cache and passwords are stored separately. When you clear cache, your saved passwords, credit card information, and autofill data stay in place. You may need to log in to websites again because the cache that stores your login session is cleared, but your actual password is not deleted.

How much storage space does cache usually take up?

This varies widely depending on how much you browse and which applications you use. Browser cache typically ranges from 100 MB to several gigabytes. System cache can be anywhere from a few hundred MB to several GB. If you're running low on storage, clearing cache can free up anywhere from 1 to 10 GB, depending on your situation.

Can I set my browser to automatically clear cache when I close it?

Yes. In Chrome, go to Settings, click "Privacy and security," and toggle on "Clear cookies and 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 has a similar option under Settings > Privacy.

What's the difference between cache and cookies?

Cache stores images, code, and files to make websites load faster. Cookies store small pieces of information like your login status and website preferences. They're related but separate. Clearing one doesn't automatically clear the other, though most browsers let you clear both at the same time.

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

Yes, it's safe to delete most files in the Temp folder. These are temporary files that programs create and should clean up after themselves. If a file is currently in use, Windows won't let you delete it, so you can safely skip those. Restart your computer if you want to delete files that were in use.