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 you visit. Your operating system caches recently used files. Applications store temporary data in their own folders. Over time, this cache builds up and can slow your computer down, use up storage space, or cause programs to load outdated information.

Clearing cache is one of the fastest ways to free up storage and fix problems like a slow browser, websites that won't refresh, or programs that crash. The process is different depending on whether you want to clear your web browser cache, your operating system cache, or both. Most people benefit from clearing browser cache every month or two, especially if they notice their computer running slowly.

Key Takeaways

  • Browser cache lives in your web browser settings and can be cleared in under a minute from the History or Settings menu.
  • Windows computers have a built-in Disk Cleanup tool that removes temporary files and cache without requiring additional software.
  • Mac computers can clear cache through System Settings or by manually deleting the Library folder, which requires showing hidden files first.
  • Clearing cache will not delete your passwords, bookmarks, or saved login information unless you specifically choose those options.
  • After clearing cache, websites and programs may load slightly slower the first time you use them while they rebuild the cache.

Clearing cache in Google Chrome

Open Google Chrome and click the three vertical dots in the top right corner. Select Settings from the dropdown menu. On the left side, click Privacy and security, then click Clear browsing data.

A window will appear with options for what to delete. Make sure the time range at the top is set to All time if you want to clear everything, or choose 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 want to delete cookies or browsing history as well. Click the blue Clear data button at the bottom right. Chrome will clear the cache in a few seconds and show you a confirmation message.

Clearing cache in Firefox, Safari, and Edge

Firefox: Click the menu button (three horizontal lines) in the top right. Select Settings, then Privacy & Security on the left. Under Cookies and Site Data, click Clear Data. Check Cached Web Content and click Clear.

Safari: Click Safari in the top menu bar, then select Settings. Go to the Privacy tab. Click Manage Website Data, then select Remove All at the bottom right. Confirm by clicking Remove Now.

Edge: Click the three dots in the top right corner 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.

Clearing temporary files on Windows

Windows stores temporary files and cache in a folder called Temp that you can clear using the built-in Disk Cleanup tool. Press the Windows key and type Disk Cleanup, then press Enter. A window will open asking you to select a drive—choose your main drive (usually C:) and click OK.

Disk Cleanup will scan your drive for temporary files. When the scan finishes, you will see a list of file types you can delete. Look for Temporary files, Recycle Bin, and Temporary Internet Files. Check the boxes next to these items. You can also check Windows Update Cleanup if you want to free up more space, though this is optional. Click Delete Files and confirm. The process usually takes one to five minutes depending on how much cache has built up.

Clearing cache on Mac

Mac stores cache in a hidden folder called Library that you need to show before you can access it. Open Finder and click Finder in the top menu bar. Select Settings, then click the Advanced tab. Check the box next to Show all filename extensions and close the window.

Go back to Finder and click Go in the top menu bar. Hold down the Option key on your keyboard—a new option called Library will appear. Click it. Open the Caches folder. You will see folders for individual applications. You can delete the entire contents of this folder, or select specific process caches you want to remove. Drag the files to the Trash, then empty the Trash to permanently delete them. If a file is in use by an open process, Mac will not let you delete it—close the process and try again.

Clearing process cache

Individual applications like Spotify, Discord, or Microsoft Office store their own cache separate from your browser and operating system. The location and method for clearing this cache varies by process. Check the process's settings menu first—many have a Storage, Cache, or Data option where you can clear cache directly from within the program.

If the process does not have a built-in cache clearing option, you can manually delete the cache folder. On Windows, open File Explorer and type %appdata% in the address bar at the top, then press Enter. Look for a folder with the process's name and open it. Delete any folder labeled Cache or Temp. On Mac, follow the Library folder steps above and look for the process name inside the Caches folder. Close the process before deleting its cache to avoid errors.

What to do if clearing cache causes problems

After clearing cache, you may notice that websites load slightly slower the first time you visit them, or that you need to log back into accounts. This is normal—your browser and applications are rebuilding the cache. The slowness is temporary and usually goes away after a few visits to the same websites.

If a website or process stops working after you clear cache, try restarting the program or refreshing the webpage. If the problem continues, the issue is likely not related to clearing cache. Clearing cache will not delete your passwords or saved login information unless you specifically checked those boxes during the clearing process. If you accidentally deleted something important, check your browser's password manager or the process's account settings to restore access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will clearing cache delete my passwords and bookmarks?

No. Cache is separate from passwords and bookmarks. When you clear cache, you only delete temporary files. Your passwords, bookmarks, and saved login information stay on your computer unless you specifically check those boxes in the clearing options. Always review what you are about to delete before confirming.

How often should I clear my cache?

Most people benefit from clearing browser cache once a month. If your computer feels slow or websites are not loading correctly, clear cache sooner. You can also set your browser to clear cache automatically every time you close it—look for this option in Privacy or Settings under "Clear browsing data on exit" or similar wording.

Can clearing cache break my computer?

No. Clearing cache is safe and will not damage your computer or operating system. The worst that can happen is that programs load slightly slower the first time you use them while they rebuild the cache. If you are unsure about deleting something, leave it unchecked and only delete items you recognize.

What is the difference between cache and cookies?

Cache stores images, code, and files to make websites load faster. Cookies store information about your preferences and login status. Both are temporary data, but cookies are smaller and more personal. You can clear them separately—most browsers let you choose which one to delete in the clearing options.

Why is my computer still slow after clearing cache?

Clearing cache helps, but slowness can come from other sources like too many browser extensions, background applications, 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 memory, and close the ones you are not using.