How to Clear Cache in Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge has been Google Chrome‘s biggest competitor ever since it launched back in 2015. Both browsers are based on Chromium and share much of the same features. This includes the way they cache websites.

Cache is data that is stored on your device every time you search something. This helps to retrieve your search results faster next time. We are going to show you simple ways to clear your cache if you are a Microsoft Edge user.

Clearing Your Microsoft Edge Cache

The easiest way to clear your cache is through the settings menu. We will explain how.

1. Open a new window in Microsoft Edge.
2. Press the ellipsis/three dots on the upper-right corner of your screen. (Shortcut key: Alt+F)
3. From the menu, click Settings. It will be the fourth-last option in the menu.

   

4. Once you are on the Settings menu, go to Privacy, search, and services. It is on the left side of your screen.

   

5. Scroll down a bit to find the Clear browsing data title. Press Choose what to clear. It should show you a time range as well as multiple data packets to delete.

   

6. Simply select the time range of the cache you want to delete. Uncheck everything except for Cached images and files. (Unless you want to delete something else as well)
7. Press Clear now and cache collected since your specified time range will be deleted.

   

There is another way to jump directly to the Privacy, search and services menu. Press [Ctrl], [Shift], and[Del]. You will automatically be redirected to the Clear browsing data menu.

Clearing Data Each Time you Close the Browser

Another thing you could do to keep your cache clear is to have it cleared every time you close the browser. This is very easy as well.

Below the Clear browsing data option, there is an option to Choose what to clear every time you close the browser. You can click on that and toggle on for whichever data packet you wish to delete consistently.

Another point to remember is that incognito mode does not save any files or data. So anytime you use incognito, there is no need to clear your cache constantly.

Why Should You Clear Cache?

Now that you know how to clear your cache, you should know why it is important to clear your cache and why it can fix loading issues sometimes.

Cache is a culmination of all the temporary files your device saved from a specific website, including fonts, text sizes, logos, background images, etc. Not clearing these can cause websites to not load properly because the UI might have changed since the last time you used that website.

If that is the case, old cache will hinder the site’s performance, and might even stop it from loading. Fortunately, cache is only temporary and is deleted on its own within a few weeks. But if a situation arises, definitely think about clearing your cache first.

The Bottom Line

Cache is not some big data storage that stores your personal information. Yet, it is still useful to clear it from time to time, especially if you are having difficulty loading a website or application. If you have the time, make it a habit to clear it to get that smooth search experience.