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How to Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

Applies toMicrosoft EdgeGoogle Chrome
7 min fix Updated 9 Mar 2026 · 6 months ago

By , 10+ years in IT support and helpdesk How these guides are checked

Quick Answer

Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete in Chrome or Edge to open the clear browsing data dialog. Set the time range to All time, check Cached images and files and Cookies and other site data, then click Clear data.

Checked against Google Chrome Releases between 5 Aug 2026 and 12 Sep 2026. Nothing published in that period has been linked to this guide.

Summary ​

Clearing your browser cache and cookies is the first troubleshooting step for many web application issues — slow loading, login loops, formatting errors, and outdated content. This article explains how to clear cache in Edge and Chrome, what to clear, and what to keep.

Before You Start ​

  • Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome.

Instructions ​

1. Clear Cache in Microsoft Edge ​

Remove cached files and cookies.

  1. Open Edge.
  2. Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete to open the Clear browsing data dialog.
  3. Set Time range to All time (or a specific range if preferred).
  4. Check the following:
    • ✅ Cached images and files — always safe to clear.
    • ✅ Cookies and other site data — clears login sessions (you will need to sign in again). If you are not certain you know those passwords, check what the browser has stored before you clear — see How to Manage Saved Passwords in Your Browser.
  5. Optionally leave these unchecked to keep them:
    • ❌ Browsing history — keeps your URL history.
    • ❌ Download history — keeps your download log.
    • ❌ Passwords — keeps your saved passwords.
    • ❌ Autofill form data — keeps saved form entries.
  6. Click Clear now.

2. Clear Cache in Google Chrome ​

Remove cached files and cookies.

  1. Open Chrome.
  2. Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete to open the Clear browsing data dialog.
  3. Click the Advanced tab for full control.
  4. Set Time range to All time.
  5. Check the following:
    • ✅ Cached images and files.
    • ✅ Cookies and other site data.
  6. Leave unchecked:
    • ❌ Passwords and other sign-in data.
    • ❌ Autofill form data.
  7. Click Delete data.

3. Clear Cache for a Single Site ​

Fix issues on one website without clearing everything.

Edge:

  1. Navigate to the problem website.
  2. Press F12 to open Developer Tools.
  3. Click and hold the Refresh button (⟳) in the address bar.
  4. Select Empty cache and hard refresh.

Chrome:

  1. Navigate to the problem website.
  2. Press F12 to open Developer Tools.
  3. Click and hold the Refresh button (⟳).
  4. Select Empty cache and hard refresh.

Alternative (both browsers):

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete.
  2. Set Time range to Last hour.
  3. Clear only Cached images and files.

4. What Gets Cleared (and What You Lose) ​

Understand what each option does before clearing.

ItemWhat it isImpact of clearing
Cached images and filesLocal copies of website assetsPages may load slightly slower the first time. No data loss.
CookiesLogin tokens and site preferencesYou will be signed out of all websites.
Browsing historyRecord of visited URLsAddress bar suggestions are reduced.
PasswordsSaved login credentialsYou will need to re-enter passwords manually.
Autofill dataSaved form entriesYou will need to re-type form fields.

Troubleshooting ​

TIP

If clearing cache does not fix the issue, try opening the site in an InPrivate (Edge) or Incognito (Chrome) window. This uses a clean session with no cache or cookies. Press Ctrl + Shift + N to open one. That window also runs no extensions by default, so a site that works there points at a stale cookie or an add-on rather than the site itself — see Understanding the Incognito Mode Myth.

Symptom / ErrorPotential CauseSolution
Site still shows old content after clearing cacheBrowser has a DNS cacheClose and reopen the browser completely. If it persists, try Ctrl + Shift + N for a private window.
Signed out of all sites after clearingCookies were clearedThis is expected. Sign back in to each site.
Issue only happens in one browserBrowser-specific cache issueClear that browser's cache. If the issue persists, try the other browser.

Last updated:

Frequently asked questions

Will clearing my cache log me out of websites?
Clearing 'Cookies and other site data' will log you out of all websites. If you only clear 'Cached images and files', you stay logged in but may see some pages load slightly slower the first time.
How often should I clear my browser cache?
Most people only need to clear cache when troubleshooting — for example, when a website looks broken, won't load, or shows outdated content. Routine clearing is not necessary.
Is clearing cache the same as clearing browsing history?
No. Cache stores temporary copies of web page files (images, scripts). Browsing history is the list of URLs you visited. They are separate checkboxes in the clear data dialog.