What cache is and why clearing it helps

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 you visit. Your operating system caches recently used files. Applications store temporary data to run more smoothly. Over time, this cache builds up and can slow your computer down, use up storage space, or cause a program to display outdated information.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 a straightforward maintenance task that takes a few minutes and often noticeably improves performance. The steps differ depending on whether you use Windows or Mac, and whether you want to clear your web browser cache, system cache, or both.

Key Takeaways

  • Cache is temporary data stored by your browser and operating system to speed up loading times, and clearing it regularly prevents slowdowns and frees up storage space.
  • In Windows, you can clear browser cache through your browser's settings menu, and system cache through Disk Cleanup or by emptying the Temp folder.
  • On Mac, browser cache clears through Safari, Chrome, or Firefox settings, and system cache clears through Storage settings or by emptying the Library folder.
  • Clearing cache will not delete your passwords, bookmarks, or saved login information unless you specifically select those options during the process.
  • Most browsers allow you to set cache to clear automatically when you close the browser, so you do not have to do it manually each time.

Clearing browser cache in Windows

The fastest way to free up space is to clear your web browser's cache. Open your browser and look for the menu button — usually three horizontal lines or dots in the top right corner. In Chrome, click the menu, then select Settings. On the left side, click Privacy and security, then Clear browsing data. A window will appear with options for what to delete.

At the top of this window, you will see a dropdown menu that says Time range. Select All time to clear everything, or choose a specific period like Last 24 hours or Last 7 days if you only want to remove recent cache. Below that, make sure the box next to Cached images and files is checked. You can also check Cookies and other site data if you want to clear those, though this will log you out of most websites. Click Clear data and wait a few seconds for the process to finish.

In Firefox, click the menu button, select Settings, then go to Privacy & Security. Scroll down to Cookies and Site Data and click Clear Data. Check Cached Web Content and click Clear. In Microsoft Edge, click the menu, select Settings, go to Privacy, search, and services, and under Clear browsing data click Choose what to clear. Select Cached images and files and click Clear now.

Clearing system cache in Windows

Beyond your browser, Windows stores temporary files in a system folder. To access these, open File Explorer and type %temp% in the address bar at the top, then press Enter. This opens the Temp folder where Windows keeps temporary files. Select all files in this folder by pressing Ctrl+A, then delete them by pressing Delete. Windows may tell you that some files are in use — click Skip for those files and continue deleting the rest.

Alternatively, you can use Windows' built-in Disk Cleanup tool. Press the Windows key and type Disk Cleanup, then open it. Select the drive you want to clean (usually C:), and the tool will scan for temporary files. Check the boxes next to Temporary files and Temporary Internet Files, then click Delete Files. This method is safer because it only removes files Windows knows are safe to delete.

Clearing browser cache on Mac

In Safari, click Safari in the top menu bar, then select Settings. Go to the Privacy tab and click Manage Website Data. You will see a list of websites. Click Remove All to clear all cached data, or select specific websites and click Remove. Close the window when done.

In Chrome on Mac, click the menu button (three dots) in the top right, select Settings, then click Privacy and security on the left. Click Clear browsing data. Make sure Cached images and files is checked, set the time range to All time, and click Clear data. In Firefox, click Firefox in the top menu, select Settings, go to Privacy & Security, scroll to Cookies and Site Data, and click Clear Data.

Clearing system cache on Mac

Mac stores cache files in hidden folders within your Library directory. To access these, open Finder, click Go in the top menu, hold down the Option key, and click Library. Navigate to the Caches folder. You will see folders for individual applications. You can safely delete the contents of most cache folders — select a folder, press Cmd+Delete, and confirm. Be cautious with system-level caches; when in doubt, leave them alone.

A simpler approach is to use Mac's built-in storage tools. Click the Apple menu, select About This Mac, then click Storage. Click Manage and look for System Data or Documents sections that show cache. Some versions of macOS allow you to click Empty Trash Automatically or similar options to clean up old files automatically.

Setting your browser to clear cache automatically

Instead of clearing cache manually every few weeks, you can set your browser to do it automatically when you close it. In Chrome, go to Settings > Privacy and security > Clear browsing data. Check the box that says Clear cookies and other site data when you quit Chrome. In Firefox, go to Settings > Privacy & Security, scroll to Cookies and Site Data, and check Delete cookies and site data when Firefox is closed.

In Safari on Mac, go to Settings > Privacy and look for an option to remove history or website data. The exact wording varies by macOS version, but the setting is usually there. In Edge, go to Settings > Privacy, search, and services and toggle on Clear browsing data under the Clear browsing data section. Once enabled, your browser will automatically delete cache each time you close it, so you will not have to think about it.

What clearing cache does and does not affect

Clearing cache removes temporary files and website data, but it does not delete your passwords, bookmarks, browsing history, or saved login information — unless you specifically check those boxes during the clearing process. If you only check Cached images and files, your passwords and autofill data stay intact. This is why it is important to look at what options are selected before you click the final delete button.

After clearing cache, websites may load slightly slower the first time you visit them because your browser has to read all the images and code again. This slowdown is temporary and usually unnoticeable. Some websites may also ask you to log in again if you cleared cookies along with cache. If this happens, straightforward log in as you normally would — the website will cache your login again for next time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will clearing cache delete my passwords and saved logins?

No, unless you specifically check the box for Cookies and other site data or Passwords during the clearing process. If you only clear Cached images and files, your passwords and autofill information remain saved. Always review the options before clicking delete to make sure you are only removing what you intend to remove.

How often should I clear my cache?

For most users, clearing cache once a month is sufficient. If your computer is running slowly or you are running low on storage space, clear it more often. If you want to avoid thinking about it, set your browser to clear cache automatically when you close it, which many users find convenient.

Why is my computer still slow after clearing cache?

Cache is one factor in computer performance, but slowness can also come from too many programs running at startup, insufficient RAM, or a full hard drive. If clearing cache does not help, check your Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (Mac) to see which programs are using the most resources, and consider uninstalling programs you no longer use.

Can I clear cache for just one website instead of all of them?

Yes. In Chrome, go to Settings > Privacy and security > Cookies and other site data, find the website in the list, and click the trash icon next to it. In Safari, go to Settings > Privacy > Manage Website Data, select the website, and click Remove. This removes only that website's data without affecting others.

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

Yes, it is safe to delete most files in the Temp folder. Windows uses this folder for temporary files that are no longer needed. If a file is currently in use by a running program, Windows will prevent you from deleting it or show an error — just skip those files and delete the rest. Restarting your computer before clearing the Temp folder ensures fewer files are locked.