What cache is and why clearing it helps
Cache is temporary data your computer stores to speed things up. When you visit a website, Windows saves images, scripts, and page layouts so the next time you visit, the page loads faster instead of downloading everything again. Your browser does this, Windows does this, and individual programs do this. Over time, cache files pile up and can slow your computer down, use disk space, or cause a program to load outdated information.
Clearing cache is safe and reversible. The next time you visit a website or open a program, it will rebuild the cache. You will not lose passwords, bookmarks, or files you created — only the temporary copies Windows stored to make things faster.
Key Takeaways
- Windows 11 stores cache in multiple places: your browser, the Temporary Files folder, and individual program folders.
- The fastest way to clear most cache at once is through Settings > System > Storage > Temporary Files, which removes browser cache, downloads, and system temp files in one step.
- Each browser (Edge, Chrome, Firefox) has its own cache location, and clearing one does not clear the others.
- You can set Windows 11 to clear cache automatically when you shut down, or clear it manually whenever you choose.
Clear cache through Windows Settings (fastest method)
Windows 11 has a built-in tool that clears the most common cache locations at once. Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I, then go to System on the left sidebar and select Storage.
Scroll down and click Temporary Files. Windows will scan and show you how much space temporary files are using. Check the boxes next to the items you want to remove — typically Temporary Files, Recycle Bin, and Downloads are already checked. If you want to keep your Downloads folder, uncheck it. Then click Remove Files at the bottom.
This single action clears browser cache from Edge (and sometimes Chrome and Firefox), system temporary files, and old installation files. It usually takes 30 seconds to a few minutes depending on how much cache has built up.
Clear cache in Microsoft Edge
If you use Microsoft Edge as your browser, you can also clear its cache directly from the browser itself. Open Edge and press Ctrl + Shift + Delete. This opens the Clear Browsing Data window.
At the top, choose your time range from the dropdown — All Time clears everything, or pick Last Hour, Last 24 Hours, or Last 7 Days if you only want to clear recent cache. Check the boxes next to Cookies and Other Site Data and Cached Images and Files. Leave Passwords unchecked unless you want to clear saved passwords too. Click Clear Now.
Clearing cache from within Edge is useful if you want to remove data from only a specific time period, or if you want to clear cache without touching your Downloads folder or Recycle Bin.
Clear cache in Chrome and Firefox
Google Chrome stores its cache separately from Edge. Open Chrome and press Ctrl + Shift + Delete. Select your time range at the top — All Time is the most thorough. Check Cookies and Other Site Data and Cached Images and Files, then click Clear Data.
Firefox uses the same keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + Shift + Delete. In Firefox, the window shows Time Range for Clearing at the top. Select Everything to clear all cache, or pick a specific range. Check Cookies and Cache, then click Clear Now.
If you use multiple browsers, you will need to clear cache in each one separately — clearing cache in Edge does not touch Chrome's cache, and vice versa.
Set Windows to clear cache automatically on shutdown
You can tell Windows 11 to clear temporary files every time you shut down, so you do not have to remember to do it manually. Press Windows key + I to open Settings, go to System, and select Storage.
Scroll down to Storage Sense and click it. Toggle Storage Sense on. Then click Configure Storage Sense or Run It Now. Under Automatic User Content Cleanup, check the box next to Delete Temporary Files That My Apps Aren't Using. You can also set how often Storage Sense runs — Every Day, Weekly, or Monthly.
With this setting on, Windows will automatically remove old cache files on the schedule you choose, and you will not have to think about it.
Clear cache from specific programs
Some programs store their own cache outside the standard Windows locations. If a program is running slowly or showing outdated information, you can clear its cache directly.
For most programs, go to Settings or Preferences within the program itself — usually found in the menu bar or a gear icon. Look for options labeled Cache, Storage, Data, or Clear Cache. Click the button to clear it. If you cannot find it in Settings, check the program's help documentation or website for instructions specific to that program.
Common programs with their own cache include Spotify, Discord, Steam, and Adobe Creative Suite. Clearing their cache can fix freezing, slow loading, or problems with updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will clearing cache delete my passwords or saved login information?
No, unless you specifically check the box for passwords or cookies. When you clear cache through Settings > Temporary Files, it only removes temporary files and does not touch passwords. If you clear cache from within a browser, make sure Passwords is unchecked before you click Clear.
How often should I clear my cache?
If your computer is running slowly or you have not cleared cache in several months, clearing it once will help. After that, monthly clearing or automatic clearing on shutdown is enough for most people. If you use your computer heavily or visit many websites daily, clearing cache weekly can keep performance steady.
What is the difference between cache and cookies?
Cache stores images, scripts, and page layouts to make websites load faster. Cookies store information about you — like login status, preferences, or what is in your shopping cart. Clearing cache does not log you out of websites, but clearing cookies does. You can clear one without the other if you want to keep your login information.
Can I clear cache without restarting my computer?
Yes. You do not need to restart after clearing cache. The changes take effect when ready. The next time you visit a website or open a program, it will rebuild the cache it needs.
Why is my computer still slow after clearing cache?
Cache is one reason computers slow down, but not the only one. If clearing cache does not help, check whether you have too many programs running at startup, whether your hard drive is nearly full, or whether you need more RAM. You can also run Windows Disk Cleanup or check Task Manager to see which programs are using the most resources.