What clearing cache does and why you might need to
Cache is temporary data that Edge stores on your computer — website images, scripts, login information, and browsing history. Clearing it removes these files and forces Edge to download fresh versions the next time you visit those sites. This takes up disk space over time, and clearing cache can speed up your browser if it has slowed down, fix loading problems on specific websites, or remove saved passwords and browsing data you no longer want stored locally.
You do not have to clear cache regularly unless you are troubleshooting a problem or concerned about privacy. Most people clear it once every few months, or before selling or giving away a computer.
Key Takeaways
- Open Edge, press Ctrl+Shift+Delete on Windows or Command+Shift+Delete on Mac to jump straight to the cache-clearing screen.
- Select the time range at the top — "All time" removes everything, "Last hour" removes only the most recent data.
- Check the boxes next to the data types you want to remove: cached images and files is usually enough, but you can also remove cookies, passwords, and browsing history from the same screen.
- Click "Clear now" and Edge will delete the selected data immediately — this action cannot be undone.
- You can set Edge to clear cache automatically every time you close the browser if you want hands-off privacy.
Clear cache one time using the keyboard shortcut
The fastest way is the keyboard shortcut. On Windows, press Ctrl+Shift+Delete. On Mac, press Command+Shift+Delete. Edge opens the "Clear browsing data" window immediately.
At the top, you will see a dropdown that says "Time range". Click it and choose how far back you want to clear: "All time" removes everything Edge has cached, "Last 24 hours" removes only the past day, "Last 7 days" removes the past week, and so on. Pick the range that matches what you need.
Below that, you will see checkboxes for different data types. Cached images and files is checked by default — this is the cache that takes up the most space and is usually what you want to remove. You can also check Cookies and other site data if you want to log out of websites, Download history, Browsing history, or Passwords from this same screen. Leave unchecked anything you want to keep.
Click the blue Clear now button. Edge deletes the selected data immediately. You will not see a confirmation message — the window simply closes and you are back to browsing.
Clear cache using the Edge menu if the shortcut does not work
If the keyboard shortcut does not open the cache-clearing screen, you can reach it through the menu. Click the three-dot menu icon in the top right corner of Edge. Scroll down and click Settings.
On the left side, click Privacy, search, and services. Under the "Clear browsing data" section near the top, click the button that says Choose what to clear. This opens the same "Clear browsing data" window as the keyboard shortcut, and you follow the same steps from there.
Set Edge to clear cache automatically when you close the browser
If you want Edge to delete cache without you having to remember, you can set it to clear automatically. Click the three-dot menu, then Settings, then Privacy, search, and services on the left.
Look for the toggle that says Clear browsing data under "Clear browsing data". Turn it on. A new section appears below it showing what data types Edge will clear — by default it includes cached images and files, cookies, and download history. You can click the dropdown next to each type to change what gets cleared, or leave the defaults as they are.
From now on, every time you close Edge completely, it will automatically delete the data types you selected. This does not affect your bookmarks, saved passwords (unless you checked that box), or browsing history (unless you checked that box) — only the types you chose.
What to do if a website still loads incorrectly after clearing cache
If you cleared cache because a website was loading slowly or showing old content, and it still does not work, try closing Edge completely and reopening it. Sometimes a full restart is needed for the browser to fully refresh.
If the problem persists, try clearing cache again but this time also check Cookies and other site data. Cookies store login information and site preferences, and clearing them forces the website to reload all its settings. This fixes most stubborn loading problems, though you will have to log back into any sites where you were signed in.
If the website still does not work after that, the problem is likely on the website's end, not your computer. Try the site in a different browser to confirm, or contact the website's support team.
Clearing cache on a shared computer or before selling it
If you are using a shared computer and want to remove only your browsing data, use the keyboard shortcut (Ctrl+Shift+Delete on Windows, Command+Shift+Delete on Mac) and select All time in the time range dropdown. Check Cached images and files, Cookies and other site data, Browsing history, and Passwords. Click Clear now. This removes all your stored data from Edge without affecting other users' profiles.
If you are selling or giving away the computer, you should also clear the cache from any other browsers installed on it (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc.), and consider doing a full factory reset of the computer itself. Clearing cache from one browser leaves data in others and on the system level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will clearing cache delete my bookmarks or saved passwords?
No, not unless you specifically check the box for passwords. Bookmarks are never deleted by the cache-clearing tool. If you want to keep passwords but clear everything else, leave the passwords checkbox unchecked.
How much space does cache usually take up?
It varies widely depending on how much you browse and how long it has been since you last cleared it. Most people find cache takes between 100 MB and 1 GB. If your computer is running low on storage, clearing cache can free up some space, though usually not a huge amount.
What is the difference between "All time" and "Last 24 hours"?
"All time" removes every cached file Edge has stored since you installed it. "Last 24 hours" removes only files from the past day. Use "Last 24 hours" if you only want to clear recent browsing data, or "All time" if you want a complete wipe.
Can I undo clearing cache?
No. Once you click "Clear now", the data is deleted permanently. If you accidentally cleared something you needed, you cannot get it back from Edge. Make sure you have the right time range and data types selected before clicking the button.
Does clearing cache log me out of websites?
Only if you also check "Cookies and other site data". Clearing just cached images and files leaves you logged in. If you want to stay logged in but clear cache, uncheck the cookies box.