How to Clear Cache on Edge With a Keyboard Shortcut

Microsoft Edge has a keyboard shortcut that takes you directly to its browsing-data controls. From there, you can remove cached files that Edge stores to load websites more quickly. Clearing this cache can help when a page looks outdated, displays incorrectly, or keeps showing an error. It does not normally remove bookmarks or saved passwords, but choosing other data types can sign you out or erase information you may want to keep.

You do not need to install anything. Save any work in web pages first, and check which data types are selected before confirming. Edge’s labels and menu layout can differ slightly by version, but the shortcut and basic process are similar.

What You’ll Need

Microsoft Edge open on a Windows, Linux, or Mac computer.
A keyboard. Use Ctrl on Windows or Linux and Command (⌘) on Mac.
A moment to review the selected data types before deleting anything.

Step-by-Step

Open Edge. Start Microsoft Edge and wait for the browser window to be ready. The shortcut works when Edge is the active application; it may not do anything if another app or a dialog has focus.
Open the data-clear panel. On Windows or Linux, press Ctrl+Shift+Delete together. On a Mac, press Command+Shift+Delete. Edge should open its Clear browsing data panel or settings page. The menu path and wording may differ slightly by version.
Choose a time range. Find the time-range dropdown. Select the period that covers the problem, such as the last hour, last 24 hours, or all time. Available choices can vary. If you want to remove all cached files Edge can clear, choose All time; this may take longer and remove useful cached copies from other sites too.
Select only the cache if that is your goal. Check Cached images and files. Leave other boxes unchecked unless you also intend to delete those types of information. Edge may remember your selections, so do not assume the other boxes are clear.
Review other options carefully. Browsing history removes entries from your history list. Cookies and other site data can sign you out or reset website preferences. Saved passwords and autofill information are separate data types; avoid selecting them unless you specifically want to remove them. The exact options shown depend on your Edge version and settings.
Clear the selected data. Choose Clear now, Clear, or the equivalent button shown. Wait for Edge to finish. A large cache or a broad time range can take longer, and the panel may close or show a completion message.
Reload the affected page. Return to the website and refresh it. Edge may download fresh images and other files, so the first visit after clearing can load more slowly. Check whether the original display or loading issue is resolved.

Common Mistakes

Using the wrong modifier key: Ctrl is used on Windows and Linux; Mac keyboards use Command. Press the keys together rather than typing them in sequence.
Clearing cookies unintentionally: Cookies are not the same as cached files. Removing them can sign you out or reset site settings. Check every selected box before you confirm.
Choosing the wrong time range: A short range may leave older cached files in place. All time clears more broadly, but it is not necessary for every issue.
Expecting the shortcut to delete cache immediately: The shortcut opens the controls. You still have to choose the range and data type, then confirm.
Assuming the cache stores bookmarks or passwords: Those are separate browser data. Clearing only cached images and files should not remove them.
Repeating the shortcut in a different app: The keyboard combination can have different effects elsewhere. Make sure Edge is in front before using it.

Tips

For one website that is showing stale content, start with the shortest available time range and clear only cached images and files. If that does not help, try a broader range.
After clearing, visit the affected page again while connected to the internet. Cached copies are stored to speed up later visits, so Edge may need to download them again.
If you regularly use multiple Edge profiles, make sure you are in the profile where the problem occurs. Browsing data is generally managed for the active profile, and clearing one profile’s cache may not affect another.
For a one-time issue, the shortcut is usually quicker than navigating through Settings. If you prefer menus, open Edge’s Settings and look for privacy, search, and services or the clear browsing data controls; names can vary slightly by version.
Clear cache as a troubleshooting step, not as a routine requirement. Removing it can temporarily make sites load more slowly while Edge rebuilds cached files.

Troubleshooting

The shortcut does nothing: Confirm Edge is the active window and use the key combination for your operating system. On a Mac, use Command rather than Ctrl. If a keyboard shortcut is intercepted by a system utility or keyboard layout, open the three-dot menu, go to Settings, and locate the clear browsing data controls instead.

The panel opens, but the page still looks wrong: Confirm Cached images and files was checked and that the time range includes the relevant data. Then reload the page. If needed, close and reopen the tab. The cause may be the website, an extension, or a network issue rather than the cache.

Edge will not clear the data: Close pages that may still be using the affected site, then try again. If Edge is managed by a workplace or school, an administrator may restrict some browser settings. Restarting Edge and checking for a browser update can also help; menu labels and available options may differ slightly by version.

You were signed out or lost site preferences: Cookies or other site data may have been selected along with the cache. Sign back in if appropriate, and review the selected boxes before clearing data next time. Clearing only cached images and files is the narrower option.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Edge shortcut to clear cache?

Use Ctrl+Shift+Delete on Windows or Linux, or Command+Shift+Delete on Mac. It opens the clear browsing data controls; you must still select the cache and confirm.

Does clearing Edge’s cache delete passwords?

Not when you select only Cached images and files. Passwords are a separate data category, so leave that option unchecked if you want to keep saved sign-in details.

Will clearing the cache log me out of websites?

Clearing cache alone normally does not. Clearing cookies or other site data can sign you out, so check the selections before pressing the clear button.

How often should I clear the cache?

There is no required schedule. Clear it when troubleshooting a website or when you have a specific reason; Edge manages cached files during ordinary browsing.

Can I clear cache for just one website?

Edge’s main clear-data panel generally clears cached files by time range rather than offering a simple per-site cache checkbox. Site-specific controls may be available in Edge’s settings, but their location and options can vary by version.

Do I need to restart Edge after clearing cache?

Usually, no. Reload the affected page first. If it still behaves unexpectedly, close and reopen the tab or restart Edge before trying other troubleshooting steps.

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.