How to Clear Cache on Microsoft Edge

Clearing the cache removes temporary copies of website images, scripts, and other files that Edge saves to help pages load faster. It can help when a site looks outdated, displays incorrectly, or keeps loading a broken version. The next visit may take a little longer while Edge downloads fresh files.

You do not need to clear the cache routinely, and doing so does not usually erase bookmarks or saved passwords. Take care when choosing other data types: cookies and site data can sign you out or reset website preferences, while browsing history removes records of pages you visited. Menu wording can vary slightly by Edge version or device.

What You’ll Need

Microsoft Edge installed and open on the device where you want to clear data.
Access to the Edge profile whose browsing data you intend to remove. If you use multiple profiles, clearing data in one does not necessarily clear it in the others.
A moment to review the selected data types before confirming, especially if you want to remain signed in to websites.

Step-by-Step

Open Edge settings. Start Microsoft Edge. Select the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner, then choose Settings. You can also type edge://settings/clearBrowserData in the address bar and press Enter to go directly to the clearing controls. This is an internal Edge settings address, not a website.
Find the clear browsing data controls. In Settings, select Privacy, search, and services. Find the section called Clear browsing data, then select Choose what to clear or the equivalent button. The exact labels and their placement may differ slightly between versions.
Choose a time range. Open the time-range menu and pick how far back Edge should clear data. Choose All time to remove the cache across the available history, or select a shorter range if you only want to clear recent cached files. The range applies to the data types you select.
Select only cached files for a cache-only clear. Check Cached images and files. Leave Cookies and other site data unchecked if you do not want to be signed out of websites. Leave browsing history, download history, passwords, and autofill data unchecked unless you deliberately want those items removed too. Some versions may display a slightly different name for cached files.
Review and confirm. Check the selected items and time range once more. Select Clear now or the confirmation button shown. Wait for Edge to finish; large amounts of data or a busy device can take a little time.
Reload the affected page. Return to the site that was having trouble and refresh it. If it still appears stale, close and reopen the tab, then test again. Edge may download fresh cached files when you visit the site, which is normal.

Common Mistakes

Selecting cookies by accident: Cookies are separate from cached files. Clearing them can sign you out, remove shopping-cart contents, or reset site preferences. For a cache-only fix, select cached images and files and leave cookies unchecked.
Choosing too short a time range: If the issue is caused by an older cached file, clearing only the most recent hour or day may not remove it. Try a longer range, or All time if you are comfortable clearing all cached files available in Edge.
Assuming cache clearing erases everything: It does not automatically remove saved passwords, bookmarks, or every kind of browser data. Each category has its own checkbox. Review those choices rather than relying on the word “clear.”
Clearing data in the wrong profile: Edge profiles keep browsing data separate. Check the profile icon before beginning if you use separate work, personal, or shared profiles.
Expecting every website problem to be the cache: A site outage, network issue, extension, or account problem can look similar. Clearing cached files is a useful test, but it is not a fix for every loading error.

Tips

Start with a cache-only clear. It is the least disruptive option and preserves cookies and other data when those boxes remain unchecked.
If just one site is affected, try reloading it first. You can also test it in an InPrivate window; if it works there, browser data or an extension may be involved. InPrivate testing is a diagnostic step, not a replacement for checking which data you clear.
Use the time-range setting intentionally. A shorter range can preserve older cached files, while All time removes the cache across the available period.
For a recurring issue, note the error and affected site before clearing data. This can help you tell whether clearing the cache changed anything.
On a shared device, do not remove another person’s cookies or history without checking first. Profiles and selected data categories matter.

Troubleshooting

The clear button is unavailable or the dialog will not open: Close any open Edge settings dialog and reopen Settings. If the browser is managed by a workplace or school, an administrator may restrict some data controls; contact the organization’s support team rather than trying to bypass its settings.

The site still shows old content: Confirm that Cached images and files was selected and that the time range covers the relevant data. Reload the page or close and reopen the tab. If only one site is affected, check whether the site itself is serving outdated content or experiencing a service problem.

Edge says data is still being cleared: Give it time to finish, particularly if you selected several data categories. Avoid repeatedly clicking the clear button. If Edge becomes unresponsive, close and reopen the browser when possible, then check the settings again.

You were signed out unexpectedly: Cookies or site data were probably selected, or a broader clearing option was used. Sign back in to the affected sites. For future cache clears, select only Cached images and files.

The problem returns after clearing: Cached files are recreated as you browse. If the same error comes back, test another site or network and temporarily review whether an extension is interfering. Avoid deleting passwords or resetting the entire browser unless you understand the effects and have checked less disruptive options first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does clearing the Edge cache delete my passwords?

Not if you select only Cached images and files. Saved passwords are a separate data category; leave that option unchecked to keep them.

Will clearing cache sign me out of websites?

A cache-only clear normally leaves you signed in. Clearing Cookies and other site data can sign you out and reset website preferences.

How often should I clear the cache?

There is no required schedule. Clear it when troubleshooting display or loading problems, or when you have a specific reason to remove temporary files.

Is clearing cache the same as deleting browsing history?

No. Cached files help pages load, while browsing history records pages you visited. They are separate choices in the clear-data controls.

Can I clear the cache for just one website?

Edge’s available site-data controls can vary by version. Look in Settings under cookies or site permissions for options to view or manage individual site data; menu paths may differ slightly. If you only need to troubleshoot, try a cache-only clear first.

Does this method work on Edge for phones?

Edge for iOS and Android also has privacy and browsing-data controls, but the menu path differs from desktop and can vary by version. Open the app’s menu and Settings, then look for privacy or clear browsing data options and select cached files without cookies if you want to stay signed in.

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.