How to Clear Cache in Internet Explorer

Clearing the cache removes locally stored copies of web page files, such as images and scripts. It can help when a site displays outdated content or does not load properly, and it may free some disk space. It does not erase files from a website or fix every connection problem.

Internet Explorer is retired and may be unavailable or restricted on many current Windows computers. If you can still open it, the steps below apply to its classic desktop interface; menu labels can vary slightly by version. If you use Microsoft Edge’s Internet Explorer mode, clearing Edge’s cache is a different process.

What You’ll Need

A Windows computer with Internet Explorer available.
A moment to decide whether to remove only cached files or other browsing data too.
If you use a shared or managed computer, permission to change browser data settings. A workplace administrator may control these options.

Step-by-Step

Open Internet Explorer. Start the desktop browser. If you cannot find it, use Windows search for “Internet Explorer.” Some Windows installations redirect the request to Edge or do not provide Internet Explorer; in that case, use the browser you actually use rather than following these steps in Edge.
Open Delete Browsing History. Select the gear-shaped Tools button near the upper-right corner, then choose Safety and Delete browsing history. In some versions, press Ctrl+Shift+Delete to open the same dialog. If the menu bar is visible instead, choose Tools and then Delete browsing history.
Choose the cache option. In the dialog, select Temporary Internet files and website files. This is Internet Explorer’s label for cached site content. Selecting it targets stored page files without requiring you to remove your browsing history, cookies, or saved passwords.
Review the other checkboxes. Leave boxes such as Cookies and website data, History, and Passwords unchecked if you do not intend to remove those items. The available options differ by version. Read each label carefully: clearing cookies can sign you out of sites, and deleting saved passwords can remove credentials stored in the browser.
Delete the selected files. Click Delete at the bottom of the window. Wait for Internet Explorer to finish; it may show a notification when the selected browsing history has been deleted. Avoid closing the browser while it is processing.
Reload the affected site. Return to the page and refresh it, or close and reopen Internet Explorer if the page still appears unchanged. The browser may download fresh copies of images and other files, so the first visit after clearing the cache can load more slowly.

Common Mistakes

Selecting every box automatically: This can remove more than the cache. In particular, cookies may sign you out, and the passwords option may remove saved login details. Select only the temporary files option when cache clearing is your goal.
Confusing cache with history: Cached files are stored page resources; history is a list of visited addresses. Removing one does not necessarily remove the other. Check the dialog labels rather than assuming “clear cache” means wiping all browsing data.
Expecting the change to repair any website problem: Cache clearing helps when old local files are the cause, but it will not resolve a site outage, incorrect address, blocked connection, or account issue.
Using Internet Explorer mode in Edge: A page opened in that mode is still running within Edge. Internet Explorer’s old dialog may not be available, and clearing Internet Explorer data may not clear Edge’s stored files.
Repeating the deletion without checking the browser: If the command appears to do nothing, verify that you opened the intended browser and selected the temporary-files checkbox before trying again.

Tips

For a single page that seems stale, try refreshing it first. If needed, use Ctrl+F5 to request a fresh load in many Internet Explorer versions; keyboard behavior can vary.
Close pages that are actively loading before deleting temporary files. This can reduce interruptions and make it easier to tell whether the page reload worked.
Clear cookies only when you have a reason to do so, such as troubleshooting a sign-in issue, and make sure you know how to sign back in.
If you share the computer, remember that clearing the cache removes local temporary files but does not erase downloads, bookmarks, or information held by websites.
Internet Explorer is no longer the recommended browser for everyday use. If it is unavailable, use a supported browser and its own privacy or browsing-data controls.

Troubleshooting

The Tools button or menu is missing

Try Alt+X to open the Tools menu, or press Ctrl+Shift+Delete directly. If the window is maximized, check the upper-right corner for the gear icon. The menu path may differ slightly by version.

The Delete button is disabled or the options are unavailable

Some settings can be restricted by a workplace, school, or family administrator. Check whether the computer is managed, and contact its administrator rather than trying to bypass the restriction.

The website still looks wrong after clearing

Confirm that the temporary Internet files option was selected, then refresh the page. If the problem remains, check the same page in another supported browser or try another website. A problem limited to one site may be on that site’s end or relate to its settings, not the cache.

Internet Explorer opens Edge instead

Your Windows setup may redirect Internet Explorer or no longer include the classic browser. Do not assume an Edge page is Internet Explorer: open Edge’s settings and use its browsing-data controls to clear cached images and files there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will clearing the cache delete my bookmarks?

No. Internet Explorer’s favorites are separate from temporary Internet files, so selecting only the cache option should leave your bookmarks intact.

Will it sign me out of websites?

Clearing only temporary Internet files normally does not remove cookies, which are often used to keep you signed in. If you also select cookies or website data, you may be signed out.

How often should I clear the cache?

There is no required schedule. Clear it when a page appears to use outdated files or when troubleshooting a loading or display problem; routine deletion is not necessary for most people.

Does clearing the cache remove my downloads?

No. Downloaded files are generally saved in a separate folder. The cache option removes temporary copies used by web pages, not files you deliberately downloaded.

Can I clear the cache for just one website?

The standard Internet Explorer delete-history dialog clears temporary files broadly rather than offering a simple per-site cache control. If you want to avoid affecting other sites, try a hard refresh first or use a supported browser with more specific site-data controls.

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.