How Do I Clear The Browser Cache in Microsoft Edge?

Like every other browser, Microsoft Edge, the default in Windows 10, has a cache.

And, like every other browser, sometimes that cache can get “confused”.

Clearing the browser cache is the fastest way to un-confuse it.

Clearing the Edge cache

Type CTRL+SHIFT+Del to go directly to the Clear browsing data menu, below.

Alternately you can navigate to the dialog by clicking on the ellipsis (the three dots) at the far right on the Edge menu bar, and then on Settings.

Edge menu, showing Settings option
Edge menu, showing Settings option

In the resulting menu, click on Privacy & Security.

Privacy & Security option in Microsoft Edge
Privacy & Security option in Edge

Click on Choose what to clear.

Edge: Choose what to clear
Edge: Choose what to clear button

In the Clear browsing data menu, make sure that “Cached data and files” is checked. This represents the browser cache. You can check other items in the list as you like if you want these cleared as well.

Edge: Clear selection
Edge: Clear selection

Click on Clear.

Edge’s cache has been cleared.

Why clear the cache?

You generally won’t need to clear Edge’s cache. When all is working properly Edge will manage the cache, making room as needed.

Clearing Edge’s cache is a diagnostic tool you might use when things don’t seem to be working properly. For example if pages aren’t displaying properly, or entirely, or just seem excessively slow, or otherwise broken, clearing the browser cache is an easy first step. It harms nothing, and might fix things.

Since the cache is only a speed optimization, the only side effect of clearing the cache might be a temporary performance hit: pages might take just a little longer to load the first time you visit them after the cache has been cleared.

Do this

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7 comments on “How Do I Clear The Browser Cache in Microsoft Edge?”

  1. Well, this doesn’t work anymore – Settings in Edge doesn’t even LOOK like this anymore! I’m off to find a site that ‘s up to date.

    Reply
  2. There is a bit of a confusing mistake on your part. You use the expression “CHECKED” data files is checked in your narrative, when I think you meant “Cached” data and files is checked. Also I think a quick comment in regards to the on/off toggle of “Always clear this when I close the browser” choice on the bottom, should include a little discussion: Pro or Con on that. that shows in your picture.

    Reply
  3. You need to update what the screen looks like at “Settings” for Microsoft Edge. It’s a lot more complicated. On a much longer list, the “right” one seems to be “Privacy Search and Services.” The phrase I hit isn’t “Cached data and files”, it’s “Clear browsing data now.” There are two choices — the other one is “Choose what to clear every time you close the browser.” I * HOPE * I got it right. We’ll see if it improves things like ads.

    Reply

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