PDF download Download Article
A step-by-step guide to removing cached files and data from Microsoft Edge
PDF download Download Article

If you're having problems loading websites, clearing your cache is a great way to make your web browser run better. On Microsoft Edge, you can easily clear your cache, cookies, and browsing history in the Settings menu (Windows) or Microsoft Edge menu (Mac). In the Edge mobile app, you'll find the option to clear your cache in the three-dot menu under "Settings" > "Privacy and security." This wikiHow article will teach you how to clear the cache in Microsoft Edge on your computer, iPhone, iPad, or Android phone or tablet.

Things You Should Know

  • On Windows, go to Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Choose what to clear , and select items to delete.
  • On a Mac, click the Microsoft Edge menu, select Clear Browsing Data , and choose the data you want to delete.
  • On a phone or tablet, tap the three dots, go to Settings > Privacy and security , and choose Clear browsing data .
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Windows

PDF download Download Article
  1. You'll see these three horizontal dots at the top-right corner of Edge on your PC.
    • Clearing your Edge cache and cookies on your PC only clears the files from your computer. However, if you also clear your browsing history , you'll be clearing your history from all devices on which you use Edge. [1]
    • Optional: If you use Edge on other devices and don't want to clear the cache on those devices, you'll want to turn off Sync first. Click Profiles on the three-dot menu, choose Sync , then select Turn off Sync .
  2. It's near the bottom of the menu.
    Advertisement
  3. This option is in the left panel toward the top of the window.
  4. This expands the "Clear browsing data" window.
  5. By default, Last hour is selected, which means you'll only be clearing the cache you've accumulated for the last hour of use. Click the menu and select All time to clear your entire cache.
  6. If you only want to clear your cache, remove the checkmarks from all items except for "Cached images and files." If you want to clear other data, like your browsing history, cookies , or site permissions, check those boxes.
  7. This clears your browsing cache (and any other data you've selected) from Microsoft Edge.
  8. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Mac

PDF download Download Article
  1. You'll see this at the top-left corner of your Mac's screen while Edge is open.
    • When you clear your cache and/or cookies in Edge on your Mac, you'll only be deleting those files from your Mac—not other devices. However, if you opt to delete your browsing history, your history will be removed from all other devices on which you use Edge.
  2. It's near the top of the menu.
    • You can also access this area quickly using the keyboard shortcut Shift + Cmd + Del , which also works in other browsers like Safari and Chrome.
  3. By default, Last hour is selected, which means you'll only be clearing the cache you've accumulated for the last hour of use. Click the menu and select All time to clear your entire cache.
  4. If you only want to clear your cache, remove the checkmarks from all items except for "Cached images and files." If you want to clear other data, like your browsing history, cookies , or site permissions, check those boxes.
  5. This clears your browsing cache (and any other data you've selected) from Microsoft Edge.
  6. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Mobile

PDF download Download Article
  1. You'll see these three horizontal dots in Edge on your Android, iPhone, or iPad.
    • Clearing your Edge cache and cookies on your phone or tablet only deletes the files from your Android, iPhone, or iPad. If you also want to clear your browsing history, you'll be deleting your history from all devices on which you use Edge.
  2. It's near the top of the menu.
  3. It's the first option on the menu.
  4. This ensures that you'll be deleting your entire cache rather than just the files from the past hour.
  5. You'll see a checkmark next to each item that's set to be cleared. If you only want to clear your cache on Edge, tap other items that are checked to remove the checkmarks.
    • If you also want to clear cookies or your browsing history, leave those items checked.
  6. It's at the bottom of the screen. A confirmation message will appear.
  7. This clears your Edge browsing cache.
  8. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • Clearing your cache will not affect your bookmarks .
      • After clearing your cache, websites you visit often might load slowly at first. This is because Edge is now downloading the latest version of the site instead of relying on cached images and files.
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about computer tips, check out our in-depth interview with Luigi Oppido .

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 12,470 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement