How to Clear the Cache in Microsoft Edge

This article explains how to clear cached data from web pages on the Microsoft Edge Windows web browser, both manually and automatically each time you exit the browser. Instructions apply to Microsoft Edge version 81 on the Windows 10 operating system.

How to Clear the Cache

To clear the cache in Microsoft Edge, complete the following steps:

1. Open Microsoft Edge.

2. Select Settings and more (the icon that looks like three dots).

3. Select Settings.

4. In the Settings sidebar, select Privacy and services.

5. Under Clear browsing data, select Choose what to clear.

6. In Clear browsing data, select the check box for each type of data, such as browsing history, cookies, and passwords, you want to clear from the cache.

7. From the Time range list, select how far back Microsoft Edge should empty the cache (for example, everything for the past hour, for the past seven days, or for all time).

8. Select Clear now.

How to Clear the Cache When You Close the Browser Window

You can also set Microsoft Edge to clear the cache automatically every time you close the browser window. To do so, complete the following steps:

1. Open Microsoft Edge.

2. Select Settings and more.

3. Select Settings.

4. In the Settings sidebar, select Privacy and services.

5. Under Clear browsing data, select Choose what to clear every time you close the browser.

6. In Clear browsing data on close, select the option beside each cache you want to clear when you close a browser window.

7. Close the Settings tab in Microsoft Edge.

Reasons to Clear the Cache

The cache consists of items that Microsoft Edge finds and saves while you surf the web. Websites can and do change their data regularly, so there's a chance that what's in your cache is outdated. When Microsoft Edge loads that outdated information, you won't see the most up-to-date information from the websites you visit.

Similarly, a cached version of a web page may include a form. If you’re trying to fill out a form but running into problems, consider clearing the cache and trying again.

In addition, when the server hardware on which a website runs is upgraded or its security configuration changes, you may not be able to sign in on a cached version of the site or access available features, such as viewing media or making purchases.

Finally—and more often than you'd expect—the cache inexplicably becomes corrupt. When this happens, all kinds of difficult-to-diagnose issues arise. If you're having trouble with Microsoft Edge and you can't pinpoint the problem, clearing the cache may help.