How to Clear Cache in Microsoft Edge

To clear the cache in Microsoft Edge, press Ctrl + Shift + Delete, choose a time range, make sure only Cached images and files is checked, and click Clear now. Leaving Passwords and Autofill data unchecked keeps your saved logins intact.

Applies to: Microsoft Edge on Windows and Mac. Clearing the cache can fix pages that look broken or outdated and free up storage space, without deleting your saved passwords or autofill data as long as you leave those boxes unchecked.

How Do I Clear the Cache From Edge Settings?

1. Open Microsoft Edge.
2. Click the three-dot menu (⋯) in the top-right corner.
3. Select Settings.
4. In the left sidebar, click Privacy, search, and services.
5. Scroll to Clear browsing data and click Choose what to clear.
6. In the Time range dropdown, pick how far back to go, such as Last hour, Last 24 hours, or All time.
7. Make sure only Cached images and files is checked. Leave Passwords and Autofill data unchecked if you want to keep those.
8. Click Clear now.

Edge removes the cached files. This does not delete your passwords or browsing history unless you check those options too.

Is There a Faster Way to Clear the Cache?

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete (Windows) or Command + Shift + Delete (Mac).
2. The Clear browsing data panel opens immediately.
3. Choose your time range and check Cached images and files only.
4. Click Clear now.

This shortcut skips the menus and opens the same panel directly.

What Happens When You Clear the Cache?

• Edge removes stored versions of websites, so pages rebuild from scratch on your next visit.
• Some sites may load a little slower the first time you revisit them after clearing.
• You will only need to sign back in to sites if you also clear cookies or you checked Passwords.

How Do I Make Edge Clear the Cache Automatically?

1. Open Settings > Privacy, search, and services.
2. Scroll to Clear browsing data on close.
3. Click Choose what to clear every time you close the browser.
4. Toggle on Cached images and files.

Edge will now clear the cache automatically every time you close the browser. Leave Passwords off in this same list if you do not want saved logins wiped on every close.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will clearing the cache delete my saved passwords?

No, not unless you separately check Passwords in the Clear browsing data list. Clearing only Cached images and files leaves your saved logins and autofill data untouched.

Why does a site still look outdated after I clear the cache?

Try a hard refresh with Ctrl + F5 (or Cmd + Shift + R on Mac) on that page. If the issue persists, the site itself may be serving stale content on its end rather than from your cache.

Does clearing the cache free up much storage space?

It depends on how long it has been since you last cleared it and how many sites you visit. Choosing All time as the time range clears the most, but the amount of space freed is usually modest compared to clearing downloads or large files elsewhere on your device.

Related Guides

• How to Change the Default Search Engine to Google in Edge
• How to Use Favorites in Microsoft Edge
• How to Restore Microsoft Edge to Default Settings

Last verified: August 20, 2026