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How to Clear Cache on Bing in Your Browser

Short answer

Clear your browser cache to refresh Bing

Bing’s cached site files are stored by your web browser, so clear the browser’s cached images and files to refresh Bing. This usually keeps bookmarks and saved passwords intact, but may sign you out of websites.

What to clearCached images and filesExplained in: Step-by-Step
WhereIn your browser settingsExplained in: Step-by-Step
What changesBing reloads fresh site filesExplained in: Step-by-Step
Reading time6 min7 sections, about 1,350 words

How to Clear Cache on Bing in Your Browser

When Bing looks outdated, fails to load correctly, or keeps showing a page after it has changed, clearing the browser cache can help. The cache is a collection of locally stored website files, such as images and scripts. Bing does not provide one universal “clear Bing cache” button: the steps depend on the browser you use to visit it.

Before you begin, note that clearing cached files is different from deleting cookies, browsing history, or saved passwords. Select only the cached-file option if your goal is to refresh Bing while preserving other browser data. Menu names and locations vary slightly by browser version and device.

What You’ll Need

  • A device and the browser you use to access Bing, such as Edge, Chrome, Firefox, or Safari.
  • Access to that browser’s settings or history controls.
  • Your browser or Microsoft account password if you may need to sign in again. Clearing cache alone typically does not remove saved passwords, but clearing cookies or site data can sign you out.

Step-by-Step

  1. Identify your browser. Check which app or browser tab you use for Bing. The Bing website is separate from the browser, so clearing data in a different browser will not affect the one where Bing is misbehaving.
  2. Open the browser’s clear-data controls. In most desktop browsers, open the main menu and look in Settings, Privacy, History, or a similarly named section for an option such as “Clear browsing data.” On a phone or tablet, open the browser app’s menu and settings. The exact path may differ slightly by version.
  3. Choose a time range. Select a range that includes the period when the problem began. Choosing “All time” or the equivalent removes cached files from more browsing sessions; a shorter range affects less stored data. If available, a range covering the recent session is a sensible first try.
  4. Select only cached files. Check “Cached images and files,” “Cached web content,” or the browser’s equivalent. Do not select cookies, site data, history, or passwords unless you specifically want to remove those too. Some browsers group options differently, so read the labels before proceeding.
  5. Clear the selected data. Confirm the action and wait for the browser to finish. A large cache may take a moment to process. Keep the browser open until it completes, and avoid clicking a broader reset option that could erase additional settings.
  6. Reload Bing. Return to bing.com and refresh the page. If it still appears unchanged, do a hard refresh on a computer: commonly Ctrl+F5 on Windows or Command+Shift+R on a Mac, though the shortcut can vary. This asks the browser to fetch page files again.
  7. Test the result. Try a Bing search or open the page that was having trouble. The first visit may load more slowly because the browser is downloading fresh files. If Bing works in a private or incognito window but not your regular window, an extension or other browser setting may be involved.

If you access Bing through its search app, an installed browser, or a managed work device, the available controls may differ. Use that app’s storage or privacy settings where offered, and follow any workplace device-management instructions.

Common Mistakes

  • Clearing the wrong browser’s cache: Data is kept separately by each browser. Clear it in the app where the Bing problem occurs.
  • Deleting cookies unnecessarily: Cookies can keep you signed in and remember site preferences. They are not the same as cached files, so leave them unchecked unless you want to reset site sessions.
  • Assuming cache means search history: Cached files are copies of website resources. Search history is a record of activity and may be stored in the browser or associated with an account. Clearing one does not necessarily clear the other.
  • Expecting a permanent fix: Cache clearing can resolve stale or corrupted files, but it will not correct an internet outage, a Bing service issue, or every browser problem.
  • Clearing all browser data by mistake: Pause at the confirmation screen and review each selected category before you proceed.

Tips

  • Start with cached images and files only. This is the narrowest option for refreshing site content.
  • If the issue affects only one Bing page, try a hard refresh first; it can request fresh page files without clearing the browser’s entire cache.
  • After clearing data, give the page a moment to reload. Some images or page elements may appear gradually while new files are downloaded.
  • Keep your browser updated through its normal update controls. Current browser versions can help prevent display and compatibility problems.
  • If Bing works in a private window, check extensions such as ad blockers or script controls. Temporarily disabling an extension for Bing can help identify whether it is interfering; re-enable it if it is not the cause.

Troubleshooting

Bing still shows old content: Confirm you cleared the cache in the correct browser and selected a time range that includes the old files. Then reload Bing, or close and reopen the browser. A page may also be showing information saved by a different layer, such as a browser extension or network proxy.

The clear-data option is missing: Look under Privacy, History, or Storage in the browser settings. On a managed work or school device, an administrator may restrict these controls. Do not try to bypass those restrictions; contact the device administrator.

Bing will not load after clearing: Check that other websites load and that your connection is working. Restart the browser, then try Bing in a private window or another browser. If only Bing fails across browsers, the cause may not be your local cache.

You were signed out: This usually means cookies or site data were also removed, or the browser cleared them separately. Sign in again if you choose, and review the selected data categories next time. If you do not recognize a sign-in page, check that the address is the official Bing site before entering account details.

The problem returns: An extension, a repeatedly saved broken file, or an intermittent connection may be responsible. Test with extensions disabled one at a time, check another browser, and note whether the issue affects one page or all of Bing. If the problem continues across devices and connections, consult Microsoft Support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I clear only the Bing cache?

Browsers generally offer controls to clear cached files, not a dedicated Bing-only cache button. Clearing cached images and files may remove cached content for other websites in the selected time range too.

Will clearing the cache delete my Bing search history?

Not necessarily. Browser cache and search history are different data. Search activity may also be associated with your Microsoft account, so check the relevant account privacy controls if you want to manage it.

Will I lose saved passwords?

Not if you select only cached files. Avoid selecting saved passwords or autofill data, and check the confirmation screen before clearing.

How often should I clear my cache?

There is no set schedule. Clear it when a site displays stale content or has a persistent loading or formatting problem; routine clearing is usually unnecessary.

Does clearing cache fix Bing search results?

It can refresh the page’s stored files, but it does not control which results Bing returns. If the page loads normally and the concern is about a result, cache clearing may not address it.

Does this work on a phone?

Yes. Use the browser or app settings on the device where you open Bing. Menu paths vary, and clearing data in one app does not clear it in another.

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.