Clear Cache in Microsoft Edge: Step-by-Step Guide

Clearing the cache removes temporary website files that Edge saves to help pages load faster. It can help when a site displays outdated content, loads incorrectly, or behaves as if it is using old files. You may need to wait longer while sites download those files again.

Before you start, make sure you mean Microsoft Edge, not the retired Internet Explorer browser. The wording and location of menus can differ slightly between Edge versions and devices. Clearing cached files does not normally delete bookmarks or saved passwords, but selecting extra data types can sign you out or remove information you want to keep.

What You’ll Need

Microsoft Edge installed on the computer or device where you want to clear the cache.
A moment to choose which data to remove. If you use Edge across multiple devices, check whether sync is on before clearing other types of browsing data.

Step-by-Step

Open Microsoft Edge. Start Edge on the device whose cache is causing a problem. Clearing data in one browser profile or device may not clear it in another.
Open Settings. Select the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner, then choose Settings. If the menu layout differs, look for Settings in Edge’s main menu.
Go to privacy options. In the Settings navigation, select Privacy, search, and services. On a narrow window or mobile device, you may need to open the Settings menu first to see the section list.
Find Clear browsing data. Look for the section with that name, then select Choose what to clear or the equivalent button. Edge may show this option within a subsection such as clearing browsing data now.
Set the time range. Open the time-range menu and choose the period you want, such as the last hour or all time. Pick all time only if you intend to remove cached files from the entire period available in that profile.
Select only the cache if that is your goal. Check Cached images and files. Leave items such as browsing history, cookies and other site data, and passwords unchecked unless you also want to remove them. The exact labels may vary slightly.
Review the selections. Read the checked items before proceeding. Cookies can sign you out of websites, while history removes recorded visited pages. Saved passwords and autofill data are separate choices and do not need to be cleared to empty the cache.
Clear the data. Select Clear now or the confirmation button shown. Wait for Edge to finish; large amounts of data may take a little while.
Reload the affected site. Close and reopen its tab, or refresh the page. If the issue remains, fully quit and restart Edge, then try the site again.

Another route is to enter edge://settings/clearBrowserData in Edge’s address bar and press Enter. This opens the browser’s own clearing-data screen; use it only in Microsoft Edge, not in a search box. If your device is managed by a school or workplace, an administrator may restrict some options.

Common Mistakes

Clearing more than intended: The dialog may have multiple boxes selected. Check every selection, especially cookies, history, passwords, and autofill details, before choosing Clear now.
Choosing a short time range: If old cached files are the problem, clearing only the last hour may leave them in place. Choose a range that covers when the issue began, or all time if you are comfortable removing the full cache.
Expecting cache clearing to erase everything: It does not automatically remove bookmarks, downloads, or saved passwords. Those are distinct data types, though their checkboxes may appear in the same dialog.
Assuming a slow first visit means it failed: A site may load more slowly once because Edge has to fetch its files again. Later visits can be faster as the cache rebuilds.
Clearing data in the wrong browser profile: Edge profiles can keep separate browsing data. Confirm the profile shown in Edge if the problem persists after clearing.

Tips

For one troublesome page, try refreshing it or opening it in a private InPrivate window before clearing all cached files. If it works there, stored site data or an extension may be involved.
Start by clearing only cached images and files. This is the least disruptive option when your aim is to refresh website content.
If you clear cookies as well, expect some sites to ask you to sign in again or reset preferences. Make sure you know how to access important accounts before removing that data.
On a shared computer, avoid removing another person’s data. Check the active Edge profile and account before clearing browsing information.
On phones and tablets, Edge’s Settings layout can differ from the desktop version. Look for a privacy or browsing-data option in the app settings, and confirm the data types before clearing.

Troubleshooting

The Clear browsing data option is missing: Expand the Privacy, search, and services section or search within Settings for “clear browsing data.” If the browser is managed, contact the device administrator about restricted controls.

The site still shows old content: Confirm that Cached images and files was checked and that the selected time range includes the relevant data. Then close the site tab, restart Edge, and reload. The site itself may also be serving old content, so try another browser or device to compare.

Edge will not clear the data: Close active tabs and retry. Restart Edge and check that it is not still processing the request. If the problem affects the browser generally, use Edge’s built-in Help and feedback or Microsoft Support rather than removing unfamiliar profile folders.

You were signed out unexpectedly: Cookies or other site data may have been selected along with the cache. Sign in again if appropriate, and review the checkbox selections carefully next time.

The problem returns: A website may recreate cached files each time you visit, or an extension may interfere with page loading. Test the page in an InPrivate window and temporarily review extensions; do not install an extension unless you trust its publisher and understand its permissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does clearing the cache delete bookmarks?

No. Bookmarks are separate from cached images and files. They are not removed when you select only the cache checkbox.

Will clearing the cache sign me out of websites?

Usually not if you clear only cached images and files. Clearing cookies or other site data can sign you out and may reset site preferences.

How often should I clear the Edge cache?

There is no required schedule. Clear it when you are troubleshooting a loading or display problem, or when you have another specific reason.

Can I clear the cache for just one website?

Edge’s general Clear browsing data screen clears cached files for the selected time range, not necessarily one site alone. Site-specific controls may be available in Edge’s cookies and site permissions settings, but labels and options can vary by version.

Is clearing cache the same as clearing browsing history?

No. Cache consists of temporary site files; history is a record of pages visited. They have separate checkboxes and can be cleared independently.

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.