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. When you visit a website, your browser saves images, scripts, and page code so the next time you visit, it does not have to read everything again. Your computer's system cache works the same way for programs and files you use regularly.
Over time, cache builds up and can slow your computer down, use up storage space, or cause websites to load outdated versions of pages. Clearing cache is also useful if a website is not displaying correctly, if you want to remove browsing history, or if you are selling or giving away your computer. The process is different depending on whether you use Windows or Mac, and which browser you use.
Key Takeaways
- Browser cache clears through your browser settings, not your computer's control panel, and takes less than a minute in Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge.
- Windows users can clear system cache through Disk Cleanup or Settings, while Mac users use Storage settings or terminal commands for deeper clearing.
- Clearing cache frees up storage space and can fix website display problems, but will slow down your first visit to frequently used sites until new cache builds.
- You can set your browser to clear cache automatically when you close it, which removes the need to do it manually.
How to clear cache in Chrome on Windows and Mac
Open Chrome and click the three vertical dots in the top right corner. Select Settings, then click Privacy and security on the left side. Click Clear browsing data.
A window will open with options for what to delete. Make sure Cached images and files is checked. At the top, use the dropdown menu to select the time range — choose All time to clear everything, or pick a specific range like Last 7 days. Click the blue Clear data button. The process takes a few seconds.
To make Chrome clear cache automatically every time you close it, go back to Settings and Privacy and security. Under Clear browsing data, turn on the toggle for Clear cookies and site data when you quit Chrome. This will delete cache on exit but keep your saved passwords and autofill information if you choose those settings.
How to clear cache in Firefox on Windows and Mac
Open Firefox and press Ctrl + Shift + Delete on Windows, or Command + Shift + Delete on Mac. This opens the History window directly to the clear data section.
Select Everything from the time range dropdown. Make sure Cache is checked — you can also check Cookies and Site data if you want to remove those as well. Click Clear Now. The window will close once the process finishes.
To set Firefox to clear cache automatically, click the menu button (three horizontal lines) and go to Settings. Click Privacy & Security on the left. Under History, use the dropdown next to Firefox will and select Use custom settings for history. Check the box for Clear history when Firefox closes, then check Cache below it.
How to clear cache in Safari on Mac
Open Safari and click Safari in the menu bar at the top. Click Settings (or Preferences on older versions). Go to the Privacy tab.
Click the Manage Website Data button. A list of websites will appear. Click Remove All to delete all cached data, or select specific websites and click Remove. Click Done when finished.
To clear cache on exit, stay in Settings and click the General tab. Look for the option Remove history items and set it to After one day, After one week, or another interval. This will automatically delete older cache, though it does not clear everything on exit like other browsers.
How to clear cache in Microsoft Edge on Windows
Open Edge and click the three dots in the top right corner. Select Settings. Click Privacy, search, and services on the left side.
Under Clear browsing data, click Choose what to clear. A window will open. Make sure Cached images and files is checked. Use the time range dropdown to select All time or a specific period. Click Clear now.
To clear cache automatically when you close Edge, stay in Privacy, search, and services. Scroll down to Clear browsing data and turn on the toggle for Choose what to clear every time you close the browser. Then turn on the toggle for Cached images and files.
How to clear system cache on Windows
Windows stores system cache in temporary files that build up over time. The easiest way to clear this is through Disk Cleanup. Press Windows key + R, type cleanmgr, and press Enter. A window will open showing different types 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 remove old update files. Click OK, then Delete Files to confirm. This can take several minutes depending on how much data is being cleared.
For a deeper system cache clear, you can also go to Settings > System > Storage. Click Temporary files and select the types of temporary data you want to remove. Check the boxes and click Remove files. This method gives you more control over what gets deleted.
How to clear system cache on Mac
Mac does not have a built-in tool like Windows Disk Cleanup, but you can clear cache through System Settings. Click the Apple menu and select System Settings. Click General on the left, then Storage.
Mac will show you what is taking up space. Click Applications or other categories to see details. You can delete unused programs or large files directly from this view. To clear process cache specifically, you can also go to ~/Library/Caches in Finder — press Command + Shift + G to open the Go to Folder dialog, paste that path, and delete folders for programs you no longer use.
For a more thorough cache clear without using terminal commands, third-party tools like CleanMyMac or AppCleaner can remove cache files automatically. These are optional — the built-in methods work fine for most users.
What happens after you clear cache and when to do it again
After clearing cache, websites will load slightly slower the first time you visit them because your browser has to read all the data again. Subsequent visits will be fast as new cache builds. This slowdown is temporary and usually not noticeable.
You do not need to clear cache on a set schedule. Clear it when your computer is running slowly, when a website is not displaying correctly, or when you want to free up storage space before selling your computer. If you clear cache automatically on browser exit, you do not need to do it manually at all. For most users, clearing cache once every few months is enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will clearing cache delete my saved passwords and login information?
No, not unless you specifically check the box for cookies or saved passwords. When you clear cache alone, your browser keeps your saved passwords, autofill data, and bookmarks. If you want to remove those too, you can check those boxes separately in the clear data window.
How much storage space does cache usually take up?
Browser cache typically uses between 100 MB and 1 GB depending on how much you browse and how long since you last cleared it. System cache can be larger. On a computer with hundreds of gigabytes of storage, cache is usually not a major concern, but on older machines or those running low on space, clearing it can free up noticeable room.
Can I clear cache for just one website instead of all of them?
Yes. In Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, you can go to Settings and find the option to view all site data or cookies. Search for the website name and delete just that entry. In Safari, the Manage Website Data window lets you select specific sites and click Remove. This is useful if one website is acting up but you want to keep cache for others.
What is the difference between cache and cookies?
Cache stores images, scripts, and page code to make websites load faster. Cookies store information like your login status, preferences, and tracking data. Clearing cache does not log you out of websites, but clearing cookies does. You can clear one without the other.
Is it safe to clear cache?
Yes, clearing cache is completely safe. It only removes temporary data that your browser and computer can rebuild. You will not lose files, documents, or any important data. The only downside is that websites load slightly slower the first time you visit after clearing.