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How to Clear Cookies and Cache in Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge

Steven Mojica
Updated

Step-by-Step Guide for Maintaining Browser Performance and Privacy

Introduction

In the modern digital landscape, browsers like Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge serve as gateways to the internet, facilitating work, entertainment, and communication. Over time, these browsers accumulate data in the form of cookies and cached files, which are intended to enhance your browsing experience. However, this data can also slow down your browser, cause web pages to load incorrectly, or compromise your privacy. Clearing cookies and cache is a simple yet powerful way to troubleshoot browsing issues and safeguard your personal information.

This guide provides detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to clear cookies and cache in Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge, making sure you can maintain a smooth, private, and responsive browsing environment.

Understanding Cookies and Cache

  • Cookies: These are small files created by websites you visit. They store information about your preferences, login status, and tracking data for advertising purposes.
  • Cache: The browser cache contains temporary files, images, scripts, and other website components. Caching speeds up subsequent visits by loading assets stored on your computer instead of downloading them again.

Why clear them?

  • Resolve loading or formatting problems on websites.
  • Free up disk space and improve browser performance.
  • Protect your privacy by removing stored data and tracking information.
  • Ensure you see the most up-to-date version of a site.

Clearing Cookies and Cache in Google Chrome

Desktop Version

  • Open Google Chrome.
  • Click the three dots (⋮) in the top-right corner to open the menu.
  • Select Settings.
  • Scroll down and click Privacy and security on the left sidebar.
  • Click Clear browsing data.
  • A pop-up will appear. Choose the Time range (e.g., Last hour, Last 24 hours, Last 7 days, Last 4 weeks, or All time).
  • Check the boxes for Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.
  • Click Clear data.

Tips:

  • You can press Ctrl + Shift + Delete to quickly bring up the Clear Browsing Data window.
  • Review Advanced options to clear additional data such as passwords and autofill form data if desired.

Mobile Version (Android/iOS)

  • Open the Chrome app.
  • Tap the three dots (⋮) in the upper right (Android) or lower right (iOS).
  • Select History and then Clear browsing data.
  • Choose the Time range.
  • Check Cookies, site data and Cached images and files.
  • Tap Clear data.
  • Confirm if prompted.

Note: Clearing cookies will log you out of most websites.

Clearing Cookies for Individual Sites in Chrome

  • Click the three dots (⋮) and go to Settings.
  • Click Privacy and security > Cookies and other site data.
  • Select See all cookies and site data.
  • Find the site you want and click the trash bin icon next to it.

Clearing Cookies and Cache in Microsoft Edge

Desktop Version

  • Open Microsoft Edge.
  • Click the three dots (⋯) in the upper-right corner.
  • Select Settings.
  • In the left sidebar, click Privacy, search, and services.
  • Under Clear browsing data, click Choose what to clear.
  • Select the Time range (Last hour, Last 24 hours, Last 7 days, Last 4 weeks, or All time).
  • Ensure Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files are checked.
  • Click Clear now.

Tips:

  • The shortcut Ctrl + Shift + Delete works in Edge as well.
  • Advanced settings allow for the clearing of additional data (e.g., passwords, download history).

Mobile Version (Android/iOS)

  • Open the Microsoft Edge app.
  • Tap the ⋯ menu at the bottom (iOS) or top (Android).
  • Go to Settings.
  • Scroll to Privacy and security and tap Clear browsing data.
  • Select the data types to clear: Cookies and site data, Cached images and files.
  • Choose the Time range.
  • Tap Clear data, and confirm.

Note: As with Chrome, clearing cookies may log you out of websites.

Clearing Cookies for Individual Sites in Edge

  • Click the three dots (⋯) > Settings > Cookies and site permissions.
  • Select Manage and delete cookies and site data.
  • Click See all cookies and site data.
  • Locate the site and click the trash bin icon to remove its cookies/data.

Additional Considerations

  • Automatic Clearing: Both browsers let you set preferences to automatically clear cookies and cache when you close the browser. This can be found under privacy settings.
  • Password and Autofill Data: Clearing all browsing data can remove saved passwords and autofill information. Make sure to back up important data before clearing everything.
  • Extensions: Browser extensions may store additional data. Consider reviewing and clearing extension data as well.
  • Syncing Across Devices: If you have browser sync enabled, clearing data on one device may clear it on others. Review sync settings if you want to manage data on a single device only.
  • Impact on Browsing Experience: After clearing cookies and cache, some websites may load slower initially or prompt you to log back in.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Will clearing cookies and cache delete my bookmarks?
  • No, bookmarks are stored separately and will not be affected.

Will this remove viruses or malware?

Clearing cookies and cache does not remove viruses, but it can help resolve minor performance issues. For malware, use a dedicated antivirus tool.

 

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Contact IT Support

If you continue to experience issues, please reach out to the RCS IT Help Desk:

Keywords: cache, cookies, clear cache, Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, browser performance, privacy

RCS Information Technology · IT Help Center

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