Clear cache & cookies - Computer (2024)

FAQs

Clear cache & cookies - Computer? ›

In most computer-based web browsers, to open menus used to clear your cache, cookies, and history, press Ctrl-Shift-Delete (Windows) or Command-Shift-Delete (Mac).

The cache and cookies should be cleared regularly for several reasons. Depending on your settings, the cache can grow quite big, use a lot of disk space on your computer and cause slow web browsing. The cache can also cause issues when viewing new versions of previously visited web pages.

No, deleting cookies will not delete the cache. They are two different things, unrelated in function and stored separately.

How often do I need to clear my cache? Most people only need to clear their caches once every month or two. That's generally the point when your browser will build up a cache large enough to start slowing things down. If you frequent a large number of sites, you should err on the side of clearing your cache more often.

For Windows users, press Ctrl + Shift + Delete on your keyboard. For Mac users, press Command + Shift + Delete.

Delete the browser cache with a shortcut.

Press the keys [Ctrl], [Shift] and [Del]. Be sure you press all the keys at once. A new window opens: "Clear Browser cache". Here you can select in the upper dropdown-menu, for which time period you want to delete the cache data.

Is there a downside to clearing the cache? ›

A common concern is that clearing your cache might delete the images, songs, documents, and other files you have downloaded from website you have visited, but those files are different to your web browser cache. So rest assured that simply clearing your cache won't affect the files you have saved.

By clearing the cache and cookies you are telling your computer to forget all previous activity, settings, and information. It is the internet equivalent of “turning it off and back on again”.

So how often should you clean these cookies? If you're using a public computer, you should delete them and other data, such as browsing history, right after your session. If it's your personal device, it's a good idea to remove all cookies at least once a month to keep your device neat.

To clear your cache in Google Chrome

Click the Menu in the upper right. Choose "Clear Browsing Data." The most effective setting is to clear all browsing history for All time and to clear browsing history, download history, cached images and files, and cookies. Close your browser and restart to see changes.

Restart your PC and open only the apps you need

If this is happening, close any apps, browser tabs, etc., that you don't need and see if that helps speed up your PC. If it doesn't seem to help, restart your PC and then open just the apps, programs and browser windows you need.

Keyboard Shortcut for Most Browsers

If you are using Internet Explorer, Edge, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox you can quickly clear cache with a keyboard shortcut. While in your browser, press Ctrl + Shift + Delete simultaneously on the keyboard to open the appropriate window.

While usually benign, these files sometimes create errors when loading a page or downloading a document. Clearing the cache and cookies will fix errors caused by these files.

In general, to get to the Microsoft cookies folder in Windows 10 or 11, you can open the Run box, type shell:cookies, and press Enter. They're located in the INetCookies folder in the C: drive. Your cookies are located in the same folder if you use Windows 8 or Windows 8.1.

Cache refers to a temporary storage area on your device that stores recently visited web pages, so technically if you only clear the cached images and files, there are no passwords to worry about.