How to Clear the Browser Cache in Microsoft Edge

As you browse the web, Microsoft Edge downloads and stores tiny pieces of information from every website you visit. This includes images, scripts, styling files, and layout data. This collection of saved files is called the “cache,” and its primary purpose is to make websites load faster the next time you visit them. However, if a website updates its design and your browser is still loading the old cached files, the page might look broken or function incorrectly. Furthermore, an overloaded cache can consume gigabytes of storage space and actually slow down your browser. Clearing your cache regularly is a fundamental troubleshooting step.

How to Clear the Cache in Microsoft Edge

Microsoft has made it very simple to clear your browsing data directly from the main Edge settings menu.

1. Open the Microsoft Edge web browser.
2. Look at the top-right corner of the browser window. Click the three horizontal dots (…) to open the main menu.
3. Scroll down towards the bottom of the menu and click on Settings.
4. In the left-hand navigation sidebar of the Settings page, click on Privacy, search, and services.
5. Scroll down the main page until you find the section titled Clear browsing data.
6. Click the blue button labelled Choose what to clear.

Selecting the Right Data to Delete

A new pop-up window will appear, offering you several checkboxes and a timeframe.

1. First, look at the dropdown menu at the top labelled Time range. To completely resolve loading issues, it is highly recommended to change this from the default (often “Last hour”) to All time.
2. Next, look at the checkboxes. You must carefully choose what you want to delete:
   • Browsing history: (Optional) This deletes the list of websites you have visited.
   • Download history: (Optional) This clears the list of files you have downloaded (it does not delete the actual files from your hard drive).
   • Cookies and other site data: (Warning) Checking this box will log you out of almost every website you are currently signed into. Only check this if you are experiencing severe login issues on a specific site.
   • Cached images and files: (Required) Ensure this box is checked. This is the actual cache that causes formatting and loading errors. Deleting this is entirely safe and will not log you out of any websites.
3. Once you have selected the appropriate boxes, click the blue Clear now button.

The process usually takes only a few seconds. Once it finishes, close all your Edge browser windows and reopen the application for the changes to fully take effect.