The fastest way to clear cache in Opera GX

Open Opera GX and press Ctrl + Shift + Delete on Windows or Command + Shift + Delete on Mac. A window titled "Clear browsing data" will appear. Make sure the "Cached images and files" checkbox is checked, then click the "Clear data" button. Your cache is now empty.

If the keyboard shortcut does not work, you can reach the same window through the menu: click the Opera logo in the top left corner, select "Settings," then go to "Privacy and security" in the left sidebar, and click "Clear browsing data."

Cache is the temporary storage of images, scripts, and other files that websites use. Clearing it frees up disk space and can sometimes fix problems with pages that load incorrectly or slowly. Opera GX stores this cache in a folder on your computer, and clearing it removes those temporary files without affecting your saved passwords or bookmarks.

Key Takeaways

  • Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete (Windows) or Command + Shift + Delete (Mac) to open the cache-clearing window instantly.
  • The "Cached images and files" option must be checked before you click "Clear data" — other options like cookies and browsing history are separate.
  • You can choose to clear cache from all time or just the last hour, day, or week using the dropdown at the top of the window.
  • Clearing cache does not remove your passwords, bookmarks, or autofill information unless you specifically check those boxes.

What the time range options mean

At the top of the "Clear browsing data" window, you will see a dropdown that says "All time" by default. Clicking it shows you four choices: "Last hour," "Last 24 hours," "Last 7 days," and "All time." Each option clears only the cache files created during that window.

Choose "Last hour" if a single website is misbehaving and you want to clear only its recent cache. Choose "All time" if you want to remove all cached files Opera GX has stored. Most people use "All time" when they want a complete cache clear, but the narrower options are useful if you want to keep cached files from websites you visit regularly.

Other data you can clear at the same time

The "Clear browsing data" window shows several checkboxes beyond "Cached images and files." You can check any combination of them to clear multiple types of data in one action. The most common ones are "Cookies and other site data" (which removes login sessions and site preferences) and "Browsing history" (which removes the list of websites you have visited).

Leave these unchecked if you only want to clear cache. If you check "Cookies and other site data," you will be logged out of most websites the next time you visit them. If you check "Browsing history," your history list will be empty, but your bookmarks will remain untouched.

When you might need to clear cache

A website may display outdated content, broken images, or fail to load properly because your browser is using an old cached version instead of fetching the current one. Clearing cache forces Opera GX to download fresh versions of those files on your next visit.

Cache also takes up disk space over time. If your computer is running low on storage, clearing cache can free up several hundred megabytes or more, depending on how long it has been since you last cleared it. Some people clear cache regularly as part of routine maintenance; others only do it when they notice a problem.

Automatically clearing cache when you close Opera GX

If you want Opera GX to clear cache every time you close the browser, you can set that up in Settings. Click the Opera logo, go to "Settings," then "Privacy and security," and scroll down to "Clear browsing data." Toggle on the switch next to "Clear browsing data on exit," then check the "Cached images and files" box below it.

Once this is enabled, Opera GX will automatically clear your cache whenever you fully close the browser. This does not affect your passwords, bookmarks, or browsing history unless you also check those boxes. You can still manually clear cache at any time using the keyboard shortcut, even if automatic clearing is turned on.

Cache location on your computer

Opera GX stores cache files in a folder on your hard drive. On Windows, the folder is usually located at C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local\Opera Software\Opera GX\Cache. On Mac, it is typically at ~/Library/Application Support/Opera/Opera GX/Cache.

You do not need to navigate to these folders manually to clear cache — using the built-in clear function is simpler and safer. However, if you want to check how much space cache is using, you can open the folder and look at the file sizes. Deleting files directly from the cache folder works, but the browser may recreate them if it is running, so closing Opera GX first is recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will clearing cache log me out of websites?

Only if you also check "Cookies and other site data" in the same window. If you clear only cached images and files, you will remain logged in to most websites. Cookies are what store your login information, and they are separate from cache.

How much space does cache usually take up?

This varies widely depending on how often you browse and which websites you visit. Cache can range from 100 megabytes to several gigabytes. Clearing it regularly keeps it from growing too large, but most people do not notice a problem unless their computer is very low on storage.

Can I clear cache for only one website instead of all websites?

Opera GX does not have a built-in option to clear cache for a single website. You must clear all cache at once, or clear cache for a specific time range (like the last hour) and hope that covers only the site you want. If you need to clear cache for one site frequently, the automatic-on-exit option may be more practical.

What is the difference between cache and cookies?

Cache stores images, scripts, and other files that websites use to display pages faster. Cookies store small pieces of information like your login status and site preferences. Clearing one does not clear the other unless you check both boxes in the clear browsing data window.

Do I need to restart Opera GX after clearing cache?

No. The cache is cleared immediately, and Opera GX continues running normally. You can start browsing right away. If you were having trouble with a specific website, refresh that page after clearing cache to see if the problem is fixed.