How to Clear Cache in Microsoft Edge

Clearing Edge’s cache removes temporary copies of website files stored on your device. This can help when a page looks outdated, fails to load properly, or displays broken images. Edge will download fresh copies as you revisit sites; the first load may take a little longer.

Before clearing anything, check which data boxes are selected. Cache is separate from cookies, browsing history, and saved passwords. Removing those other items can sign you out of websites or erase information you meant to keep. Edge menus and button names can differ slightly by version or device.

What You’ll Need

Microsoft Edge installed and open on the device you want to clean.
Access to the Edge profile whose browsing data you want to clear.
A moment to review the selected data types and time range before confirming.

Step-by-Step

Open Edge settings. Launch Microsoft Edge. Select the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner, then choose Settings. If the window is narrow or the layout differs, look for the menu button and the Settings option.
Find privacy controls. In the Settings sidebar, choose Privacy, search, and services. On some versions, the wording or location may vary slightly. You can also type “clear browsing data” into the settings search box if one is available.
Open the clear-data controls. Find the Clear browsing data section and select Choose what to clear. This opens a panel with data categories and a time-range selector. Do not use an option that clears data on browser close unless you want the cleanup to happen regularly.
Set the time range. Open the time-range menu. Choose All time to remove all cached files Edge has stored, or select a shorter period if you only want to clear recent cache. The range controls how far back Edge removes the selected data.
Select only the cache. Check Cached images and files. Leave Cookies and other site data, Browsing history, and saved-password or autofill options unchecked unless you specifically intend to delete those too. Labels may differ slightly across Edge versions.
Confirm the selection. Review the checked boxes and time range, then select Clear now or the equivalent confirmation button. Keep Edge open while it processes the request. A completion message may not appear; the panel may simply close or reset.
Reload the affected page. Return to the website that had a problem and refresh it. If the old content remains, close and reopen the tab, or restart Edge. A site may need to download images, styles, and scripts again after the cache is removed.

Common Mistakes

Clearing cookies by accident: Cookies help sites remember sessions and preferences. If you select them along with cache, you may be signed out and need to sign in again. For a cache-only cleanup, select only Cached images and files.
Choosing the wrong time range: All time clears the selected category across the whole available period. Select a shorter range if you want to remove only recent temporary files.
Expecting saved passwords to be removed: Cached images and files are not the same as passwords. Passwords are controlled by a separate data category, so leave that category unchecked if you want to keep them.
Assuming clearing cache deletes online accounts or files: This action removes local temporary website files, not your account, cloud documents, or files stored on a website. It also does not necessarily remove downloads saved to your device.
Clearing cache as a fix for every website issue: A problem can come from the site, network, browser extension, or account rather than cached files. If the issue continues, try the troubleshooting steps below.

Tips

For a single site’s display problem, start with the cache-only option and a recent time range. If that does not help, consider whether cookies for that site also need attention.
Use a private InPrivate window as a quick comparison. If a page works there but not in your normal window, an extension or stored site data may be involved; InPrivate results are a clue, not proof.
After clearing cache, allow a page to finish loading before judging whether it is fixed. Fresh resources must be downloaded, so the first visit can be slower than usual.
If you share a computer, check which profile is open. Clearing data in one Edge profile does not necessarily clear data stored in another profile or another browser.
To make cache clearing automatic, look for the option to choose what Edge clears every time you close the browser. Set only the categories you want removed; automatic cookie clearing can sign you out of sites.

Troubleshooting

You cannot find the option: Check that you are in Edge’s Settings, not your computer’s system settings. Use Settings search for “clear browsing data,” or expand the sidebar if it is collapsed. Menu labels can vary slightly by version.

The clear button is unavailable or nothing seems to happen: Close the data panel and reopen it, then confirm at least one category is checked. Wait briefly and restart Edge if needed. If a work or school device manages browser settings, an administrator may restrict some controls.

The site still shows old content: Refresh the page, open it in a new tab, and verify that you selected the correct profile and time range. The website itself may be serving old content, or an extension may affect what you see. Test another site and temporarily disable extensions one at a time if appropriate.

You were signed out: Cookies or site data may have been selected. Sign in again, then reopen the clear-data panel and check that only cached images and files are selected for future cleanups.

Edge still behaves incorrectly: Restart the browser and check whether an update is available through Edge’s Settings. If the issue affects only one site, contact that site’s support; if settings are managed, ask the device administrator for help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will clearing Edge’s cache delete my bookmarks?

No. Bookmarks and favorites are separate from cached images and files. They should remain unless you choose a different data-management action that specifically removes them.

Will clearing the cache sign me out of websites?

Not if you clear only cached images and files. Clearing cookies or other site data can sign you out, so review the boxes before confirming.

How often should I clear the cache?

There is no required schedule. Clear it when troubleshooting a display or loading problem, or when you have a specific reason; routine clearing is not necessary for most people.

Can I clear the cache for just one website?

Edge versions may offer site-specific controls under cookies and site permissions or stored site data. Those controls can also remove cookies and sign you out of that site, so read the confirmation carefully. For a cache-only cleanup, the general cached-files option is the straightforward choice.

Does clearing cache improve browser speed?

It can help resolve a problem caused by outdated or damaged cached files, but it is not a guaranteed speed boost. Pages may initially load more slowly while Edge downloads fresh resources.

Does this clear cache on my other devices?

Usually, clearing cached files in Edge affects the current device and profile. Browser sync does not mean that every type of locally stored browsing data is automatically cleared on all devices.

Further reading: Microsoft Support. Details can change, so check the official page for anything that matters to you. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. How we write an answer.