Internet Explorer stores copies of web pages, images, and files on your computer to load them faster next time — this storage is called the cache. Clearing it removes those temporary files and frees up disk space, though it also means websites will load slightly slower on your first visit after clearing.

Key Takeaways

  • Internet Explorer cache lives in a Windows folder called Temporary Internet Files, and you can delete it through the browser settings or directly from your hard drive.
  • The fastest method is to use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Shift+Delete, which opens the delete browsing data window in most versions of Internet Explorer.
  • You can choose to clear only the cache while keeping passwords and autofill data, or delete everything at once depending on what you need.
  • If Internet Explorer is not responding or pages are loading incorrectly, clearing the cache often fixes the problem without affecting your saved passwords or bookmarks.

Clear Cache Using the Delete Browsing Data Window

The quickest way to clear your cache is through Internet Explorer's built-in delete tool. Press Ctrl+Shift+Delete on your keyboard — this opens the "Delete Browsing History" window in Internet Explorer 8 and newer versions.

In the window that appears, you will see several checkboxes. Make sure Temporary Internet Files and Website Files is checked. You can leave the other boxes unchecked if you want to keep your passwords, autofill information, and browsing history. Click the Delete button at the bottom right. The cache will clear in a few seconds.

If you want to clear the cache every time you close Internet Explorer automatically, you can set this up in the same window. Look for the checkbox that says "Delete browsing history on exit" and check it. From then on, your cache will clear whenever you close the browser completely.

Clear Cache Through Internet Explorer Settings

If the keyboard shortcut does not work on your version, you can reach the same tool through the menu. Open Internet Explorer and click the Tools menu (the gear icon in the top right corner on newer versions). Select Delete Browsing History from the dropdown.

The same "Delete Browsing History" window will open. Check the box next to Temporary Internet Files and Website Files and click Delete. This method works the same way as the keyboard shortcut and clears the same files.

Delete Cache Files Directly From Your Computer

If Internet Explorer will not open or the delete tool is not working, you can remove the cache files manually from your hard drive. Open File Explorer (the folder icon on your taskbar) and paste this path into the address bar at the top: %LocalAppData%\Microsoft\Windows\INetCache

Press Enter. A folder will open containing your cached files. Select all the files in this folder using Ctrl+A, then press Delete. You may see a warning that some files are in use — click Skip for those files. The remaining cache files will be deleted.

This method works even if Internet Explorer is frozen or crashing. However, you should close Internet Explorer completely before deleting files this way, or Windows may not let you remove files the browser is currently using.

What Gets Deleted and What Stays

When you clear the cache using the delete browsing data window, you are removing temporary copies of web pages, images, videos, and other files that websites sent to your computer. This does not delete your saved passwords, bookmarks, browsing history, or autofill information unless you specifically check those boxes.

If you want to clear only the cache and nothing else, make sure only Temporary Internet Files and Website Files is checked before you click Delete. All other boxes should be unchecked. Your login information and saved settings will remain untouched.

When to Clear Your Cache

Clear your cache if a website is loading incorrectly, showing old versions of pages, or if Internet Explorer is running slowly. Cached files can sometimes become corrupted, and clearing them fixes the problem without affecting your actual browsing data.

You might also clear the cache if you are sharing a computer and want to remove traces of the websites you visited, though this does not delete your browsing history — that is a separate option in the delete window. If you are concerned about privacy on a shared computer, you may want to check the "Browsing History" box as well when you delete.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will clearing the cache delete my saved passwords?

No. Passwords are stored separately from the cache. When you clear the cache, only the checkbox for "Temporary Internet Files and Website Files" is checked by default. Your passwords stay in Internet Explorer unless you specifically check the "Passwords" box and delete them too.

Why is my Internet Explorer still slow after clearing the cache?

The cache is usually not the cause of slowness unless it has grown very large. If clearing it does not help, the problem may be too many browser extensions, a slow internet connection, or malware. Try disabling extensions one at a time to see if one of them is the culprit.

Can I recover files after I clear the cache?

Once deleted, cache files are difficult to recover. If you need to keep a copy of something you saw online, save it to your computer before clearing the cache. Windows does not move deleted cache files to the Recycle Bin — they are removed directly.

How often should I clear my cache?

There is no set schedule. Clear it when websites load incorrectly, when you notice Internet Explorer is slow, or when you want to free up disk space. Some people clear it weekly; others only when they notice a problem. Clearing it too often may make websites load slightly slower on first visit.

What is the difference between cache and browsing history?

Cache is the temporary files websites send to your computer to load faster. Browsing history is the list of websites you visited. Clearing the cache does not erase your history — you must check the "Browsing History" box separately if you want to delete that too.