How to clear browser cache on Desktop the complete guide

In this article We’ll learn how to clear browser cache, cookies and history from various desktop platform in addition, we will shortly overview what browser cache is and how it works.

What is browser cache?

Browser cache refers to temporary storage aimed at making websites load quicker. It works by saving static files in the local computer memory. This reduces the number of requests sent to the web server that holds the actual files and instead loads them from the local storage. Hence, by caching elements such as HTML, CSS, JS, and images, the browser dramatically reduces load time and resource usage.

What is cached data?

Cache is a term used to describe temporary storage. Thus, cached data is the collection of items saved within the cache storage location. Whenever a browser is requested for a specific file, it first checks if the resource is available locally. If not found, the browser sends a request to the corresponding web server and saves it as cached data depending on the file type.

Why clear cache?

The files gathered within the browser cache can take up quite a big amount of disk space over time. This may result in your browser working slower than usual and utilising additional resources. Furthermore, outdated resources within the cache may cause you to see incorrect content. For example, you may have difficulty viewing new changes and updates made on a website. Thus, clearing the browser cache from time to time may help prevent such outcomes.

How to clear browser cache on desktop?

Clearing cache is a relatively easy task on most desktop browsers. Let’s see how it can be done on the most popular ones.

Google chrome

1. Access the side menu bar and navigate to History › History section.
2. Select the Clear Browsing Data option.
3. Choose the time range. Select All Time to remove everything.
4. Pick what elements to clear – cached images and files, cookies, history.
5. Press the Clear Data button.

Chrome cache clear

Mozilla Firefox

1. Open up the side menu bar and go to Library › History › Clear Recent History section.
2. Select the time range. To clear out everything, select the All Time option.
3. Choose which elements to clear – Cache, Cookies, History among a few others.
4. Click the Clear Now button.

Firefox cach clear

Safari

1. Navigate to the History tab in the upper menu and select Clear History.
2. Choose the timeframe you want. To clear everything, select the All history option.
3. Safari removes history, cache, cookies without the option to choose only one.
4. Click the Clear History button.

safari browser cache

Microsoft Edge

1. Navigate to the menu on the upper-right side and go to History.
2. Click Clear Browsing Data.
3. Choose the Time range you wish to delete, we recommend All Time.
4. Select the items you wish to delete from the list.
5. Click the Clear Now button and wait for the process to finish.

Microsoft edge cach

Opera

1. Click the History icon located on the left-side menu. (clock icon)
2. Hit the Clear Browsing Data button.
3. Choose the time range. To delete everything, pick All time.
4. Select which elements to remove – Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, Cached images and files.
5. Click the Clear Data button.

Opera cache clear

TIPS
Windows users may click Ctrl+Shift+Delete on the keyboard for a shortcut.
Mac OS can use the same shortcut by pressing Command+Shift+Delete.