What cache is and why you should clear it

Cache is temporary data your browser and programs store on your hard drive to load websites and files faster the next time you visit them. When you visit a website, your browser saves images, scripts, and other pieces so it doesn't have to read them all over again. This speeds things up, but over time cache files pile up and can slow your computer down or use disk space you need for other things.

Clearing cache won't hurt your computer or your accounts. You'll straightforward reload websites a bit slower the first time you visit them after clearing, then they'll speed up again as new cache builds. Most people clear cache every few months, though you might do it more often if you're running low on storage space or notice your browser is sluggish.

Key Takeaways

  • Browser cache lives in your browser settings and takes just a few clicks to clear in Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge.
  • Windows and Mac both have system cache that you can clear through Disk Cleanup (Windows) or Storage settings (Mac).
  • Clearing cache won't delete your passwords, bookmarks, or browsing history unless you specifically choose those options.
  • You can set your browser to clear cache automatically every time you close it, so you don't have to remember.

Clearing cache in Google 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. Make sure the time range at the top is set to All time if you want to clear everything, or pick a specific range like Last 7 days. Check the box next to Cached images and files. You can leave the other boxes unchecked unless you also want to clear cookies or history. Click Clear data and you're done.

Clearing cache in Firefox

Open Firefox and click the three horizontal lines (hamburger menu) in the top right. Select Settings, then click Privacy & Security on the left. Scroll down to the Cookies and Site Data section and click Clear Data.

A box will appear. Make sure Cached Web Content is checked. Leave Cookies and Site Data unchecked unless you want to clear those too. Click Clear. Firefox will also let you set automatic clearing: in the same Privacy & Security section, find History and change the dropdown to Use custom settings for history, then check Clear history when Firefox closes.

Clearing cache in Safari and Microsoft Edge

On a Mac running Safari, click Safari in the top menu bar, then select Empty Cache. A dialog will ask if you're sure — click Empty. That's all there is to it.

In Microsoft Edge, click the three dots in the top right and select Settings. Click Privacy, search, and services on the left. Under Clear browsing data, click Choose what to clear. Set the time range to All time, check Cached images and files, and click Clear now. You can also turn on Clear browsing data at the top of this section to make Edge clear cache every time you close the browser.

Clearing system cache on Windows

Windows stores temporary files in a folder called the temp folder, separate from your browser cache. To clear it, press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog, type cleanmgr, and press Enter. This opens Disk Cleanup.

Disk Cleanup will scan your drive and show you a list of file types you can delete. Check the boxes next to Temporary files, Recycle Bin, and Temporary Internet Files. You can check other boxes too if you recognize them and don't need them. Click OK, then Delete Files to confirm. Windows will delete the selected files.

Clearing system cache on Mac

Mac doesn't 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 (or System Preferences on older Macs). Click General, then Storage. You'll see a breakdown of what's using space on your drive.

Look for Cache or Caches in the list. Click it, then click Delete or the trash icon. Mac will ask you to confirm. You can also use the Finder to manually delete cache: open Finder, press Command + Shift + G, paste ~/Library/Caches, and press Enter. You'll see folders of cached data from different programs — you can safely delete any of these folders.

Setting your browser to clear cache automatically

If you want cache cleared every time you close your browser, you can turn that on instead of clearing manually. In Chrome, go to Settings > Privacy and security and look for Clear cookies and site data when you quit Chrome — toggle it on. In Firefox, go to Settings > Privacy & Security, find History, and select Use custom settings for history, then check Clear history when Firefox closes. In Edge, go to Settings > Privacy, search, and services and toggle on Clear browsing data.

Safari clears cache less aggressively by default, but you can manually clear it anytime through the Safari menu. If you use Safari on a Mac, you can also go to Safari > Settings > Privacy and adjust how long Safari keeps history and cache.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will clearing cache delete my passwords and saved logins?

No, not unless you specifically check the box for cookies or saved passwords. Cache and cookies are separate. When you clear cache, you're only removing temporary files like images and scripts. Your passwords stay safe in your browser's password manager unless you choose to clear those separately.

How much space does cache usually take up?

It varies widely depending on how much you browse and how long it's been since you last cleared. Browser cache can range from a few hundred megabytes to several gigabytes. System cache on Windows is usually smaller, often under a gigabyte, but it depends on how many programs you use.

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

Most browsers don't offer a straightforward way to clear cache for a single site. Your best option is to clear all cache, or you can use your browser's incognito or private mode when visiting a specific site — that mode doesn't save cache at all. Some browsers let you delete individual cookies for a site, but not cached images and files.

Will clearing cache speed up my computer?

It may help a little, especially if cache has built up over months or years. Clearing cache frees up disk space and can make your browser load slightly faster on first launch. If your computer is very slow, cache is rarely the main cause — you might want to check for malware, too many startup programs, or a full hard drive instead.

Is it safe to clear cache?

Yes, it's completely safe. Cache is just temporary data meant to be deleted. The worst that happens is websites take a few extra seconds to load the first time you visit them after clearing, then they speed up again as new cache builds.