What cache is and why you should clear it

Cache is temporary data your computer stores to make programs run faster. When you browse the web, your browser saves images, scripts, and page code so it doesn't have to read them again. Windows itself caches file data. Your graphics card caches textures. Over time, this cache builds up and can slow your PC, use disk space, or cause programs to load outdated information.

Clearing cache won't break anything — your computer will straightforward re-read or rebuild that data the next time you need it. The process takes a few minutes and can free up several gigabytes of space, depending on how long it's been since you last cleared it.

Key Takeaways

  • Browser cache lives in your user folder and can be cleared through your browser's settings menu in under two minutes.
  • Windows system cache clears automatically, but you can manually empty the temporary files folder to free disk space when ready.
  • Different browsers store cache in different locations, so you may need to clear cache separately in Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari.
  • Clearing cache does not delete your passwords, bookmarks, or saved login information unless you specifically choose those options.

Clear cache in Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge is the default browser in Windows 11 and Windows 10. Open Edge and press Ctrl + Shift + Delete on your keyboard. This opens the Clear Browsing Data window directly.

At the top, choose the time range from the dropdown menu. Select All time to clear everything, or pick a specific range like "Last hour" or "Last 7 days" if you only want recent cache removed. Check the box next to Cached images and files — this is the cache itself. Leave other boxes unchecked unless you want to delete cookies or browsing history as well. Click Clear now. The process usually finishes in seconds.

Clear cache in Google Chrome

Open Chrome and press Ctrl + Shift + Delete. This opens the Clear Browsing Data window. At the top, set the time range to All time unless you prefer a shorter window. Make sure Cached images and files is checked. Click Clear data.

If the keyboard shortcut doesn't work, you can reach the same menu by clicking the three-dot menu icon in the top right corner, selecting Settings, then Privacy and security, then Clear browsing data.

Clear cache in Mozilla Firefox

Open Firefox and press Ctrl + Shift + Delete. The Clear Recent History window appears. In the dropdown at the top, select Everything to clear all cache. Check the box next to Cache. Click Clear Now.

Alternatively, click the menu button (three horizontal lines) in the top right, select Settings, go to Privacy & Security, scroll to the Cookies and Site Data section, and click Clear Data. Check Cached Web Content and click Clear.

Clear Windows temporary files

Windows stores temporary files in a folder that you can empty manually. Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog. Type %temp% and press Enter. A folder window opens showing your temporary files. Press Ctrl + A to select all files, then press Delete. Windows may tell you some files are in use — click Skip for those and delete the rest.

For a more thorough cleanup, you can also use the Disk Cleanup tool. Press Windows key + I to open Settings. Go to System, then Storage, then Temporary files. Check the boxes for Temporary files and Recycle Bin, then click Remove files. This method is safer because Windows won't let you delete files that are currently in use.

Clear cache without losing passwords and bookmarks

When you clear cache through your browser's settings, you control exactly what gets deleted. The cache itself — images, scripts, and page data — is separate from your passwords, bookmarks, and autofill information. As long as you only check the box for "Cached images and files" or "Cache" and leave other boxes unchecked, your saved passwords and bookmarks stay intact.

If you accidentally delete everything, your passwords are not lost — they're stored in your browser's password manager, which is a different system. Bookmarks are also stored separately. However, if you had autofilled information that wasn't saved to your password manager, that will be gone. To be safe, only check the cache box and leave everything else unchecked.

When to clear cache and how often

There's no strict rule for how often to clear cache. If your PC is running slowly or you're running low on disk space, clearing cache can help when ready. If you notice a website loading outdated information, clearing that browser's cache will force it to read fresh data. Some people clear cache monthly as routine maintenance; others only do it when they notice a problem.

Clearing cache is harmless and has no downside beyond the few seconds it takes. Your browser will rebuild cache automatically as you browse, so there's no risk of leaving your computer in a broken state. If you clear cache and a website still doesn't load correctly, the problem is usually something else — try restarting your browser or your PC.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will clearing cache delete my passwords?

No. Passwords are stored in your browser's password manager, which is separate from cache. As long as you only check the "Cached images and files" box and leave other options unchecked, your passwords stay safe. If you accidentally check "Cookies and other site data," you may be logged out of websites, but your saved passwords remain in the password manager.

How much space does cache usually take up?

Browser cache typically ranges from 500 MB to 2 GB depending on how much you browse and how long it's been since you last cleared it. Windows temporary files can be larger. The exact amount varies by person and browsing habits. You can check how much space cache is using by right-clicking your browser's cache folder and selecting Properties.

Do I need to clear cache on my phone too?

Yes, phones accumulate cache the same way PCs do. On Android, go to Settings, select Apps, choose your browser, and tap Storage, then Clear Cache. On iPhone, go to Settings, select your browser, and tap Clear History and Website Data. Phone cache is usually smaller than PC cache but can still slow things down over time.

What's the difference between cache and cookies?

Cache stores images, scripts, and page code to make websites load faster. Cookies store small pieces of information like your login status and preferences. Clearing cache won't log you out, but clearing cookies will. They're separate systems, so you can clear one without clearing the other.

Why does my PC still feel slow after clearing cache?

Cache is only one reason a PC slows down. If clearing cache doesn't help, the problem might be too many startup programs, a full hard drive, malware, or an aging hard drive. Check your Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) to see which programs are using the most CPU and memory. If your hard drive is nearly full, that's usually a bigger issue than cache.