Clear cache & cookies - Computer (2024)

When you use a browser, like Chrome, it saves some information from websites in its cache and cookies. Clearing them fixes certain problems, like loading or formatting issues on sites.

In Chrome

  1. On your computer, open Chrome.
  2. At the top right, click More Clear cache & cookies - Computer (1) Clear cache & cookies - Computer (2) Clear browsing data.
  3. Select a time range, like Last hour or All time.
  4. Select the types of information you want to remove.
  5. Click Clear data.

Learn how to change more cookie settings in Chrome. For example, you can delete cookies for a specific site.

In other browsers

If you use Safari, Firefox, or another browser, check its support site for instructions.

What happens after you clear this info

After you clear cache and cookies:

  • Some settings on sites get deleted. For example, if you were signed in, you’ll need to sign in again.
  • If you turn sync on in Chrome, you’ll stay signed into the Google Account you’re syncing to in order to delete your data across all your devices.
  • Some sites can seem slower because content, like images, needs to load again.

How cache & cookies work

  • Cookies are files created by sites you visit. They make your online experience easier by saving browsing data.
  • The cache remembers parts of pages, like images, to help them open faster during your next visit.
Clear cache & cookies - Computer (2024)

FAQs

What happens when you clear cache and cookies on computer? ›

After you clear cache and cookies: Some settings on sites get deleted. For example, if you were signed in, you'll need to sign in again. If you turn sync on in Chrome, you'll stay signed into the Google Account you're syncing to in order to delete your data across all your devices.

Does clearing cache and cookies make computer faster? ›

While clearing cookies will not significantly improve the overall speed of your computer, it can help improve the performance and privacy of your web browser.

How do I clear my computer's cache cookies? ›

  1. Hit the Windows button and search for the Control Panel app.
  2. Open Network and Internet.
  3. Under Internet Options, choose Delete browsing history and cookies.
  4. Under Browsing history, choose Delete browsing history on exit and hit OK.
  5. If you want to delete cookies only, hit Delete... button and untick other boxes.
Apr 27, 2023

Can you clear cache and cookies without losing passwords? ›

NOTE: Clearing cache and cookie history can also eliminate saved passwords. Not all browsers have options to prevent this from happening, although Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Internet Explorer do have that option available.

What are the downsides of clearing cookies and cache? ›

Clearing them can help resolve issues like website errors or slow loading. However, keep in mind that clearing cookies may log you out of websites and remove personalized settings.

Is there a downside to clearing the cache? ›

What happens after you clear a browser cache? As noted, one purpose of a browser cache is to speed up performance. So after you clear the cache, some sites may initially seem slower because content such as images needs to load again. Some settings on websites, e.g. logins or forms you had filled in, will be deleted.

Is it better to clear cache or clear cookies? ›

Cache stores temporary files, such as web pages and other online media, that the browser downloaded from the Internet to speed up loading of pages and sites that you've already visited. Cookies store information about websites you visit, such as site preferences or login status.

How often should you clear your cache and cookies? ›

However, for a typical internet user, our suggestion is to empty your cache approximately once or twice every month.

How to clear cache without losing passwords? ›

How do I delete cookies without deleting all my saved passwords?
  1. Click on the 3 dots top right of your browser.
  2. Click settings.
  3. On the left side of the next screen, click Privacy and Security.
  4. Then click on Clear Browsing data.
  5. On the next screen click All Time.
  6. If You go to Advanced Do Not Click On Passwords.
Nov 27, 2023

Is it a good idea to remove all cookies? ›

The information stored by websites and advertisers on your computer is removed. You'll enter your login information each time you visit a new website and it may take longer to load. More importantly, it can fix performance issues, especially as it relates to erroneous cookies.

How often should you clear browsing history? ›

It's best to delete your search history at least twice a month to reduce the chances of getting hacked.

What does clearing the cache do? ›

How to clear app cache on Android. Clearing your cache can reclaim precious storage space on your phone and resolve technical issues such as app slowdowns.

Does clearing cache clear history? ›

Clearing out a web browser's cache does not damage any information stored in a browser, such as bookmarks or your homepage. Instead, it simply makes the web browser think that you have not visited a webpage before.

Does clearing the cache delete search history? ›

Additionally, after enough time this can end up eating up the data storage space on your device. Clearing out a web browser's cache does not damage any information stored in a browser, such as bookmarks or your homepage. Instead, it simply makes the web browser think that you have not visited a webpage before.

Does clearing cache and cookies delete tabs? ›

Clearing the browsing and cache data in Google Chrome doesn't close all open tabs, but it will refresh each tab and log you out of websites. Once you tap on one of the tabs you want to access, you'll have to log back in.

What happens when you clear all cache data? ›

It can free up more room for RAM and also help limit how websites use data on your phone to track you. Clearing cache on Android can also help fix issues and improve performance. That's because cached files can become corrupted or overloaded. Clearing cache can force a browser or app to update and work as it should.

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