What clearing your cache actually does
Your cache is a folder on your computer where Internet Explorer stores copies of web pages, images, and files you've visited. When you return to a site, your browser loads these stored copies instead of downloading everything fresh from the internet — which makes pages load faster. Clearing the cache deletes all those stored copies.
You might clear it because the stored version of a page is outdated and you need the current one, because you're troubleshooting a website that won't load properly, or because you want to free up disk space. It's also a basic privacy step if you share your computer — it removes the record of where you've been online.
Internet Explorer stopped receiving updates in 2016 and Microsoft ended support entirely in June 2022, so most people no longer use it. But if you're working on an older computer or with legacy software that requires it, here's how to clear the cache.
Key Takeaways
- Internet Explorer stores web pages and images in a cache folder to make sites load faster on repeat visits.
- Clearing the cache removes these stored copies and frees up disk space, but does not delete your passwords or browsing history unless you specifically choose those options.
- The fastest method is pressing Ctrl+Shift+Delete to open the Delete Browsing History window directly.
- You can set Internet Explorer to clear the cache automatically every time you close the browser.
The fastest way: keyboard shortcut
Press Ctrl+Shift+Delete on your keyboard. This opens the "Delete Browsing History" window when ready, without navigating through menus.
A dialog box will appear with several checkboxes. Make sure Temporary Internet Files and Website Files is checked — this is your cache. Leave the other boxes unchecked unless you specifically want to delete passwords, browsing history, or cookies. Then click Delete.
The process takes a few seconds to a few minutes depending on how much data is stored. You'll see a confirmation message when it's done.
Using the menu if the keyboard shortcut doesn't work
If Ctrl+Shift+Delete doesn't open the delete window, you can reach it through the menu. Click the Tools icon (it looks like a gear) in the top right corner of Internet Explorer, then select Delete Browsing History.
The same dialog box will open. Check Temporary Internet Files and Website Files and click Delete.
On some older versions of Internet Explorer, the Tools menu is visible at the top of the window instead of as an icon. Look for the word "Tools" in the menu bar, click it, and select "Delete Browsing History" from the dropdown.
What each checkbox means
| Option | What it deletes | Check this if |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary Internet Files and Website Files | Cached web pages, images, and media | You want pages to load fresh or need to free up space |
| Cookies and website data | Small files websites use to remember you | You want to log out of all sites or remove tracking data |
| History | Your list of visited websites | You want to erase the record of where you've been |
| read History | Your list of downloaded files | You want to remove the record of what you've downloaded |
| Form data | Information you've typed into web forms | You want to remove saved addresses, search terms, or names |
| Passwords | Saved login credentials | You want to force yourself to re-enter passwords on next visit |
For a basic cache clear, check only the first box. The other options are useful if you're sharing a computer or want to remove more of your browsing record, but they're not necessary for routine maintenance.
Clearing the cache automatically when you close the browser
You can set Internet Explorer to delete the cache every time you close it, so you don't have to remember to do it manually. Click the Tools icon (gear) and select Internet Options.
Go to the General tab. Under "Browsing History," check the box that says Delete browsing history on exit. Click explore, then OK.
Now every time you close Internet Explorer completely, it will automatically clear the cache and any other browsing data you've selected. You can still choose which types of data to delete by clicking Settings next to that checkbox.
Why a website still won't load after clearing the cache
If you cleared the cache and a website still won't display correctly, the problem usually isn't the cache. Try these steps instead: close Internet Explorer completely and reopen it, try the site in a different browser if you have one available, or restart your computer.
If the site works in a different browser but not Internet Explorer, the issue is likely that Internet Explorer is too old to display modern websites properly. Internet Explorer hasn't received security updates since 2022, and many websites have stopped supporting it. Consider switching to Microsoft Edge, Chrome, or Firefox, which receive regular updates and work with current websites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will clearing the cache delete my passwords?
No, not unless you specifically check the "Passwords" box in the Delete Browsing History window. By default, only the cache (temporary files) is deleted. Your saved passwords stay on your computer unless you remove them separately.
How much space does the cache usually take up?
It varies widely depending on how much you browse and how long it's been since you last cleared it. A cache can range from a few hundred megabytes to several gigabytes. If your computer is running low on disk space, clearing the cache may help, though it's usually not the biggest space hog on a system.
Is it safe to clear the cache?
Yes, it's completely safe. The cache is just a copy of things you've already downloaded. Clearing it won't damage your computer or delete anything important — it just means websites will take slightly longer to load the next time you visit them.
What's the difference between cache and cookies?
Cache stores copies of web pages and images so they load faster. Cookies are small files that websites use to remember information about you, like your login status or shopping cart. You can delete them separately or together.
Do I need to clear the cache regularly?
Not unless you're having problems with websites or you share your computer with others. Clearing it occasionally frees up space and removes your browsing record, but it's not required for your computer to run well.