How to Clear Cache on Copilot Without Losing Chats

Clearing cached data can help when Copilot loads incorrectly, displays stale content, or repeatedly errors. It removes temporary files, not a guaranteed record of your chats. The exact controls differ by browser, device, and Copilot version, so menu names may vary slightly. First identify whether you use Copilot on the web, as a Windows app, or inside another Microsoft app; follow the matching method below.

What You’ll Need

The browser or device where the problem occurs.
Access to its settings. You may need to sign in again after removing site data.
If you use a work or school account, the ability to contact your administrator if settings are managed.

Step-by-Step

Choose the right Copilot. If you open Copilot at its website in a browser, use the browser instructions below. If you launch a separately installed Copilot app on Windows, use the app instructions. Copilot features built into another Microsoft product may follow that product’s own cache and sign-in controls.
Save important work. Copy any prompt or response you want to keep into a safe document. Clearing a browser cache should not normally delete chat history stored with your account, but clearing cookies or site data can sign you out, and history availability depends on the product and account settings. Do not treat cached files as a backup.
Close Copilot tabs. Close the Copilot page and any other tabs using the same Copilot site. This helps the browser release files before you remove them. You can leave unrelated browser data alone by choosing a site-specific option when available.
Open the browser’s site-data controls. In your browser settings, look for Privacy, Security, Cookies, Site data, or Browsing data. Search the settings for “site data” or “cache” if you cannot find the control. The menu path differs by browser and version.
Remove Copilot’s stored data. If the browser lets you manage data by site, search for the Copilot web address you use and remove that site’s data. If it only offers a general browsing-data screen, select cached images and files. Avoid selecting cookies or all site data unless needed: those choices can sign you out of Copilot and other sites or remove saved site preferences. Do not select saved passwords.
Restart the browser and sign in. Quit and reopen the browser, go to Copilot, and sign in if asked. Try a new prompt and check whether the original loading or display issue is gone.
For the Windows app, open app settings. Open Windows Settings, then go to Apps and find Installed apps or Apps & features. Locate Copilot, open its advanced options if shown, and choose Repair first. Menu labels can differ slightly by Windows version. Repair is intended to fix the app without the broader effects of resetting it.
Reset only if Repair fails. In the same app options, choose Reset if it is available and you are comfortable with the consequences. A reset may remove local app data and require you to sign in again. Read any confirmation message, save work first, and then open Copilot and test it.
Clear another Microsoft app separately. If Copilot is inside a browser, Microsoft 365 app, or another host app, clearing the Copilot website’s browser cache may not affect it. Use that app’s own supported repair or cache controls, or update and restart the host app. Avoid deleting folders or files manually unless Microsoft’s instructions specifically direct you to do so.

Common Mistakes

Assuming cache and chat history are the same: Cache is temporary data used to load pages or app content. Chat history is account or product data, when history is available. Clearing one does not necessarily clear the other, and clearing cache is not a way to erase conversations from your account.

Deleting all browser data unnecessarily: A broad “clear everything” action can remove cookies, saved preferences, and other site data. Start with Copilot-specific data or cached files where possible, and keep password data unselected.

Resetting before trying Repair: Reset is more disruptive than repairing an app and may discard local settings or data. Try a restart and Repair first.

Expecting cache removal to solve every error: Account permissions, a network problem, an extension, or a temporary service issue can cause similar symptoms. Cache clearing is a troubleshooting step, not a fix for every cause.

Tips

Test Copilot in a private or incognito window before clearing anything. If it works there, an extension or existing browser data may be involved; private windows do not provide a permanent fix.
Disable browser extensions one at a time, especially content blockers, then reload Copilot. Re-enable extensions after testing.
If only one browser has trouble, test another supported browser. This helps distinguish a browser-specific issue from an account or network issue.
Keep your browser and app updated through their normal update settings. Updates can fix problems that clearing temporary files will not.
On a shared or managed device, follow your organization’s rules before removing site data or resetting an app.

Troubleshooting

Copilot still shows the same problem: Restart the device, check your internet connection, and try a private window or another browser. If the issue appears across browsers and devices, it may relate to your account, network, or the service rather than local cache.

You cannot find a site-specific option: Use the browser’s settings search for “cookies,” “site data,” or “cached images.” If the browser only has a general cache option, clear cached files alone first. Browser paths and labels vary by version.

You are signed out or preferences disappeared: Sign in again and restore any preferences you remember. This can happen if cookies or broader site data were removed; clearing the cache alone usually has a narrower effect.

Repair or Reset is unavailable: Check for app updates and restart Windows. The option may not appear for every app installation or device configuration. If the device is managed, ask its administrator rather than trying to remove app files manually.

The app will not open or the error returns: Record the error message and note whether it occurs in the web version too. Use the official Microsoft support or feedback route for your product, and include your Windows or browser version without sharing passwords, private prompts, or sensitive account details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does clearing Copilot cache delete my chats?

Clearing cached files in a browser is not the same as deleting account chat history. However, removing cookies or resetting an app can sign you out or remove local data, so save anything important and check the product’s history controls separately.

Can I clear only Copilot’s cache?

Often, yes. Look for a browser option to manage data for a specific site and remove the Copilot site’s data. If that is unavailable, clearing cached files more broadly is an option, but avoid removing cookies unless necessary.

Is clearing cache the same as clearing cookies?

No. Cached files are temporary page resources; cookies and site data can store sign-in and preference information. Clearing cookies may sign you out, while clearing cached files alone generally does not.

How often should I clear Copilot cache?

There is no routine schedule needed. Clear it when troubleshooting a loading, display, or stale-content problem, rather than as a regular maintenance task.

What if I use Copilot in Microsoft Edge?

Use Edge’s browser settings to manage cached files or site data for the Copilot web address you visit. If you use a Copilot feature built into Edge rather than the website, restart and update Edge first; its controls may be different.

Will clearing cache improve Copilot’s speed?

It may help if damaged or outdated temporary files are causing a specific issue, but it is not guaranteed to make Copilot faster. Connection quality, extensions, device performance, and service availability can also affect loading.

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.