How to Clear Cache in Microsoft Edge

To clear cache in Microsoft Edge, press Ctrl + Shift + Delete, set Time range to All time, check Cached images and files, then click Clear now. You can also go to Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Choose what to clear under Clear browsing data.

Clearing the cache forces Edge to re-download website files instead of using old, corrupted copies. This fixes most page loading errors, outdated images, login loops, and slow performance after an Edge update. It does not delete your bookmarks, saved passwords, or installed extensions unless you check those boxes.

Clear cache in Edge with keyboard shortcut

This is the fastest method on Windows 10 and Windows 11 and works in Edge 120 and newer versions in 2026.

• Open Microsoft Edge.
• Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete on your keyboard. This opens the Clear browsing data panel directly.
• In Time range, select All time to remove all cached files. Use Last hour or Last 24 hours if you only want to fix a recent site issue.
• Check Cached images and files. Uncheck other items for now if you only want to clear the cache.
• Click Clear now, then close and reopen Edge.
• For a full refresh of a problem page, visit the page and press Ctrl + F5 to bypass the cache for that reload.

If Ctrl + Shift + Delete does nothing, you may be using a managed work PC where an administrator disabled data clearing. In that case use the Settings menu method below.

Clear cache from Edge Settings on PC

Use this method if you want more control or want Edge to clear cache automatically.

• Click the three-dot menu in the top-right of Edge > Settings.
• Go to Privacy, search, and services in the left sidebar.
• Scroll to Clear browsing data and click Choose what to clear.
• Select Time range: All time.
• Check Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, and Cached images and files for a complete cleanup.
• Click Clear now.
• Restart Edge and test the site that was not loading.

Clear cache automatically when you close Edge

• Go to edge://settings/clearBrowserData in the address bar and press Enter.
• Click Choose what to clear every time you close the browser.
• Turn on Cached images and files. Most users should also turn on Cookies and other site data if they want a fresh login state on shared PCs.
• Close Settings. Edge will now delete the selected data on every exit.

Automatic clearing is useful on shared or low-storage laptops, but do not enable Passwords or Autofill form data unless you want to re-enter logins and addresses every time.

Clear Edge cache on Android, iPhone, and iPad

The mobile Edge app uses the same Chromium cache system but the menu path is different.

• Open the Edge app and tap the three-line menu or three-dot menu at the bottom.
• Tap Settings > Privacy and security.
• Tap Clear browsing data.
• Set Time Range to All Time.
• Check Cached images and files. Add Cookies and site data if logins are broken.
• Tap Clear data > OK, then restart the app.

On iPhone, iOS may keep a small thumbnail cache after clearing. If a site still looks broken, close Edge from the app switcher and reopen it.

What to delete: cache vs cookies vs history

Choosing the wrong checkbox is the main reason clearing cache appears not to work. Use this breakdown before you click Clear now.

For performance and loading problems, start with Cached images and files only. Add Cookies and other site data only if you see login errors, infinite redirects, or a site says your cookies are blocked. Leave Passwords unchecked.

Fix Edge after clearing cache: troubleshooting

If Edge is still slow or a site will not load after you clear cache, the cache was not the root cause. Work through this table in order.

How to clear cache for one site only

You do not need to delete everything if only Outlook, YouTube, or one banking site is broken.

• Visit the problem site in Edge.
• Click the lock or tune icon left of the address bar > Cookies and site permissions.
• Click Manage on-device site data > Delete.
• Reload with Ctrl + F5.
• Alternative path: go to edge://settings/content/all, search for the site name, click the trash icon next to it.

This keeps you signed in everywhere else and usually frees 50 to 300 MB for that domain, which is enough to fix a stuck web app without a full wipe.

How often should you clear Edge cache?

For most home PCs in 2026, clearing cache once every 4 to 8 weeks is enough. Edge manages cached files automatically and deleting them daily just makes browsing slower because every image and script must download again.

Clear it immediately when you see a blank white page after login, prices or images that do not update, a site that works in Chrome or Firefox but not in Edge, or after you change your password and the old login page keeps reappearing. On PCs with a 128 GB or 256 GB SSD that is over 85 percent full, check edge://settings/clearBrowserData monthly because a 1 to 2 GB Edge cache can trigger low-disk warnings.

When clearing cache will not help

Cache is local temporary storage. It will not fix slow internet, a failing hard drive, or high CPU from 40 open tabs. If Task Manager shows Edge using 85 to 100 percent CPU or 3 to 4 GB RAM with only 3 tabs open, update Edge to the latest version, update your GPU driver, and scan for malware first. If download speeds are under 15 Mbps on a 100 Mbps plan, restart your router and test with an Ethernet cable before clearing browsing data again.