Browser Cache - How to Clear in Chrome and Edge

Purpose

Browsers store copies of websites in "cache" in order to save website data (cookies), and load the page faster by storing images, scripts and other temporary files. If a website is updated by the developer, the cached data may prevent you from seeing the most updated version of the site. Clearing the cache will force the browser to download a fresh copy of the website and can resolve potential conflicts with outdated data. It also frees up some space by deleting all the temporary files.

Procedure

Clearing Chrome Cache
1. Shortcut - With Chrome open, press CTRL+SHIFT+DEL to open the "Delete browsing data" window. Skip to step 1.f if you use this shortcut.
2. In Chrome, click the three dots arranged vertically in the upper right of the screen
3. Click on "Settings" near the bottom of the menu
4. In the left menu of the next page, click on Privacy and Security
5. Click Delete browsing data at the top of the list
6. In the "Delete browsing data" window, set the "Time range" to "All time" from the dropdown list, and ensure you check the boxes for Cookies and Cached images and files (the Browsing history box can be left unchecked unless you just want to remove your history
7. Finally, click the "Delete data" button
Clearing Edge Cache
1. Shortcut - With Edge open, click CTRL+SHIFT+DEL to open the "Delete browsing data" window. Skip to the middle of step 2.f.i if you use this shortcut.
2. In Edge, click the three dots arranged horizontally in the upper right of the screen
3. Click "Settings" near the bottom of the menu
4. Click "Privacy, search, and services" from the left menu
5. Choose "Clear browsing data" from the menu in the center of the screen
6. Edge has two areas for browser data: one for normal website data and another for data in websites using Internet Explorer Compatibility Mode. Clearing both will ensure the cache is cleared for all websites.
  1. "Clear browsing data now" is for normal website data. Click the "Choose what to clear" button
    - On the "Delete browsing data" window that appears, ensure "All time" is selected for the Time range, then UNCHECK ALL BOXES EXCEPT "Cookies . . ." and "Cached images and files". Please scroll down to find more boxes. Once selected, click "Clear now"
  2. "Clear browsing data for Internet Explorer" is for websites that are using Internet Explorer Compatibility Mode. Click the "Choose what to clear" button
    - On the "Delete Browsing History" pop-up, check the boxes for Temporary Internet files and Cookies. You can also leave the "Preserve Favorites . . ." checked to save preferences. Once done, click "Delete".