What cache is and why you might want to clear it

Cache is temporary data your computer stores to make things load faster. When you visit a website, your browser saves images, scripts, and page layouts so it doesn't have to read them again the next time you visit. Your operating system does the same thing — it stores copies of files you use often, thumbnails of photos, and records of where you've been. This speeds things up, but over time cache can take up gigabytes of space and occasionally cause problems like pages displaying incorrectly or programs running slowly.

Clearing cache won't break anything. The files are copies, not originals. Your computer will straightforward rebuild the cache as you use it again, which may make things slightly slower for a day or two while it refills. Most people clear cache when their computer feels sluggish, when a website looks wrong, or when they want to free up storage space.

Key Takeaways

  • Browser cache (saved web pages and images) clears differently than system cache (operating system temporary files), and you may need to clear both.
  • In Windows, the fastest way to clear system cache is Settings > System > Storage > Temporary files, then check all boxes and delete.
  • In Mac, use Finder to navigate to Library > Caches, select all folders, and move them to Trash, then empty Trash.
  • To clear browser cache in Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge, open Settings or Preferences, find Privacy or History, and select "Clear browsing data" or "Clear history".
  • You should clear cache every few months or whenever your computer feels slow, but there is no harm in clearing it more often.

Clearing cache in Windows 10 and 11

The easiest method in Windows is through the Storage settings. Click the Windows Start button, type "Settings" and open it. Go to System on the left side, then click Storage. You will see a breakdown of what is using space on your drive. Look for Temporary files and click on it.

A new window will open showing categories of temporary data: Recycle Bin, Temporary files, Downloads folder, and others. Check the boxes next to the items you want to delete. Most people check "Temporary files" and "Recycle Bin". Do not check "Downloads" unless you want to delete files you downloaded — Windows stores downloads separately from cache. Once you have selected what to delete, click the Remove files button at the top. Windows will delete the selected items when ready.

If you want to clear browser cache as well, you will need to do that separately in each browser you use. See the browser-specific section below.

Clearing cache in Mac

Mac stores system cache in a hidden folder called Library. To access it, open Finder and click Go in the menu bar at the top. Hold down the Option key on your keyboard and click Library — it only appears when you hold Option. This opens the Library folder.

Inside Library, double-click the Caches folder. This folder contains cache from your operating system and installed programs. Select all the folders inside by pressing Command+A, then drag them to the Trash. Some folders may be locked or in use — Mac will skip those, which is normal. After you have moved what you can to Trash, go to the Finder menu and click Empty Trash to permanently delete the files.

If you use Safari, you should also clear its browser cache separately. See the browser-specific section below for Safari instructions.

Clearing cache in Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge

Each browser stores cache separately from your operating system. To clear it, you need to go into the browser's own settings.

Chrome: Click the three vertical dots in the top right corner, select Settings, then click Privacy and security on the left. Click Clear browsing data. A window will pop up. Make sure the time range at the top is set to All time, check the box next to Cached images and files, and click Clear data.

Firefox: Click the three horizontal lines in the top right, select Settings, then click Privacy & Security on the left. Scroll down to Cookies and Site Data and click Clear Data. Check the box next to Cached Web Content and click Clear.

Safari: Click Safari in the menu bar at the top, then select Settings. Click the Privacy tab, then click Manage Website Data. Click Remove All to clear all cached data, or select specific websites and click Remove.

Edge: Click the three dots in the top right, select Settings, then click Privacy, search, and services on the left. Under Clear browsing data, click Choose what to clear. Set the time range to All time, check Cached images and files, and click Clear now.

What to expect after clearing cache

After you clear cache, your computer may feel slightly slower for a few hours or a day. This is normal — your computer is rebuilding the cache as you use programs and visit websites again. You will not lose any files, passwords, or saved information. Bookmarks, saved passwords, and documents stay exactly where they are.

Websites may load a bit slower the first time you visit them after clearing cache, because your browser has to read all the images and code again instead of using the saved copies. After that first visit, they will load normally again as the cache rebuilds.

When to clear cache and how often

There is no fixed schedule for clearing cache. Most people clear it every few months or whenever their computer feels slow. If you notice a website displaying incorrectly — images not showing, buttons in the wrong place, or old versions of pages appearing — clearing cache often fixes it. If your computer is running out of storage space, clearing cache can free up several gigabytes depending on how long it has been since you last cleared it.

Some people clear cache monthly as routine maintenance. Others only clear it when they notice a problem. Both approaches are fine. Clearing cache more often will not harm your computer, but it is not necessary unless you have a specific reason.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will clearing cache delete my passwords or saved information?

No. Cache is only temporary copies of web pages and images. Your saved passwords, bookmarks, autofill information, and documents are stored separately and will not be affected. If you want to keep passwords but clear cache, make sure you uncheck "Cookies and other site data" when clearing browser cache.

How much space does cache usually take up?

It varies widely depending on how much you use your computer and how long it has been since you last cleared cache. Browser cache typically ranges from 500 megabytes to a few gigabytes. System cache can be anywhere from 1 to 10 gigabytes. You can see exactly how much space cache is using before you delete it in Windows Storage settings or Mac Finder.

Can I clear cache without restarting my computer?

Yes. You do not need to restart your computer after clearing cache. The changes take effect when ready. Your computer will straightforward start rebuilding cache the next time you use programs or visit websites.

What is the difference between cache and cookies?

Cache stores copies of web pages, images, and scripts to make loading faster. Cookies store small pieces of information like login details, preferences, and tracking data. They serve different purposes. When you clear browsing data, you can choose to clear cache, cookies, or both — most browsers let you select which one.

Is it safe to delete everything in the Caches folder on Mac?

Yes, it is safe. Some programs may need to rebuild their cache after you delete it, which can make them slightly slower the first time you use them, but nothing will break. If a specific program stops working after you clear cache, restart that program and it will rebuild what it needs.