To clear the cache in Microsoft Edge, you need to open your browser and click on the three dots located in the top right corner of the screen. Select Settings from the menu that drops down. Once the Settings tab opens, look for the option labeled Privacy, search, and services on the left side of the screen. Scroll down until you find the Clear browsing data section and click the button that says Choose what to clear. Make sure to check the box for Cached images and files. Finally, click Clear now to wipe the data.
How to clear cache Edge – step by step
We are going to walk through the exact process to get your browser feeling brand new again. These steps will help you remove old files that might be clogging up your connection or causing websites to look weird. It is a safe process that will not delete your permanent files like documents or photos.
Step 1: Open the Microsoft Edge menu by clicking the three dots in the corner.
You will find these three horizontal dots in the very top right corner of your browser window. This icon is technically called the ellipsis. Clicking it opens up the main control center for the browser.
Step 2: Select Settings from the dropdown list that appears.
Look near the bottom of the menu list to find the gear icon labeled Settings. When you click this, it will open a completely new tab in your browser window. This is where all the behind-the-scenes magic happens.
Step 3: Click on Privacy, search, and services in the left sidebar.
On the left side of the screen, you will see a list of different categories. Look for the one that mentions privacy and click on it. If your window is small, you might need to click the three-line menu button to see this sidebar.
Step 4: Locate the Clear browsing data section and click Choose what to clear.
Scroll down the page a little bit until you see a section with a blue button. It is usually right under the heading that mentions clearing data. Clicking this button opens a small pop-up window in the middle of your screen.
Step 5: Check the box for Cached images and files and set the time range.
You will see a list of things you can delete, but you only need to check the box next to Cached images and files. Above that list, there is a dropdown menu for the Time range. Change this to “All time” if you want to completely clean everything out.
Step 6: Click the blue Clear now button to finish the process.
This is the final step that actually removes the files from your computer. The window will close automatically once it is done. It usually takes less than a few seconds.
After you complete this action, your browser will be free of old temporary files. The next time you visit a website, it might take a split second longer to load. This happens because the browser has to download fresh images instead of using the old ones stored on your computer.
Tips for how to clear cache Edge effectively
- You can use a keyboard shortcut to save time by pressing Ctrl, Shift, and Delete all at the same time.
- Always check the Time range dropdown menu to make sure you are clearing exactly what you intend to clear.
- If you are trying to fix a specific website, try refreshing that page first before clearing the entire cache.
- You can set Edge to automatically clear the cache every time you close the browser if you prefer high privacy.
- Make sure you do not accidentally check the box for Passwords unless you really want to erase your saved logins.
Will clearing the cache delete my saved passwords?
No, clearing the cache will not delete your passwords unless you specifically select that option. The cache only holds temporary images and website scripts. Your login information is stored in a different category.
How often should I perform this task?
You do not need to do this every single day. It is best to do it once a month or whenever your browser starts acting strange. If websites are not loading correctly, that is the best time to do it.
Does clearing the cache speed up my computer?
It can help the browser run smoother, but it won’t make your whole computer faster. It frees up a little bit of hard drive space. However, its main job is to fix loading errors on websites.
What actually is a cache file?
Think of cache files like a grocery list you keep in your pocket so you don’t have to check the pantry every time. Your browser saves parts of websites so it doesn’t have to download them over and over. This usually saves time, but sometimes the “list” gets outdated.
Can I undo this action after clicking Clear now?
No, once you click the button, those temporary files are gone forever. You cannot restore cache files. However, the browser will simply create new ones the next time you visit your favorite websites.
Summary
- Step 1 Open the Microsoft Edge menu by clicking the three dots in the corner.
- Step 2 Select Settings from the dropdown list that appears.
- Step 3 Click on Privacy, search, and services in the left sidebar.
- Step 4 Locate the Clear browsing data section and click Choose what to clear.
- Step 5 Check the box for Cached images and files and set the time range.
- Step 6 Click the blue Clear now button to finish the process.
Conclusion
Taking care of your digital tools is just as important as cleaning your physical workspace. When you let temporary files pile up, it is like letting junk mail stack up on your kitchen table. Eventually, it becomes hard to find what you are looking for, and things just look messy. By clearing these files out, you are giving your browser a fresh start. It forces the program to look at websites as they are right now, rather than how they looked weeks ago.
This simple maintenance task can solve so many frustration headaches. We have all experienced that moment when a webpage looks broken or a button simply won’t click. More often than not, bad data stored in your history is the culprit. You now have the knowledge to fix these issues in less than a minute. You do not need to be a computer expert to keep your machine running well.
Remember that while this helps with errors, it is also a good habit for privacy. It keeps your digital footprint a little bit smaller. Make a mental note to perform this cleanup every so often. If you ever forget the steps on how to clear cache in Edge, just look for the privacy settings. It is a small action that makes a big difference in your daily browsing experience.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.
Read his full bio here.
Featured guides and deals
