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CalahanReed's avatar
CalahanReed
Iron Contributor
Jan 09, 2026

How to clear browser cache on windows 11?

Really need help on this. My browser is acting a bit sluggish on Windows 11 and I'm pretty sure it's time for a cache purge. I also noticed some websites aren't loading correctly, and I've heard that clearing the cache can help, but I want to make sure I'm doing it the right way without accidentally deleting my saved passwords or important settings.

I'm not tech-savvy and I'm unsure of the correct steps. Could someone please explain the simplest method to delete or clear browser cache for Chrome, Edge, or Firefox on Windows 11? I want to make sure I'm doing it properly without deleting important data. 

Thanks

7 Replies

  • Xioun's avatar
    Xioun
    Iron Contributor

    Clearing browser cache is safe, but if you want to keep saved passwords or form data, avoid clearing all browsing data or select only cache.

  • AsherReed's avatar
    AsherReed
    Iron Contributor

    Using PowerShell commands to clear browser cache on Windows 11 is possible, but it requires specific commands tailored to each browser. PowerShell can automate the deletion of cache folders, but you should be cautious and ensure you target the correct directories to avoid deleting important data.

    How to Clearing Browser Cache with PowerShell

    1. Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based)

    Cache is stored in:
    C:\Users\<YourUsername>\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Edge\User Data\Default\Cache
    PowerShell command to delete cache:

    Remove-Item -Path "$env:LOCALAPPDATA\Microsoft\Edge\User Data\Default\Cache\*" -Recurse -Force

    2. Google Chrome
    Cache is stored in:
    C:\Users\<YourUsername>\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Cache

    PowerShell command:

    Remove-Item -Path "$env:LOCALAPPDATA\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Cache\*" -Recurse -Force

    3. Mozilla Firefox

    Cache location varies; typically in:
    %APPDATA%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\<profile folder>\cache2

    PowerShell command:

    Remove-Item -Path "$env:APPDATA\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\<profile folder>\cache2\*" -Recurse -Force

  • AmayaI's avatar
    AmayaI
    Bronze Contributor

    Using Disk Cleanup's "Hidden Browser Cache" option can be an effective way to clear browser cache if you want to free up space and ensure your browsers are not storing unnecessary data.

    How to Clear Browser Cache on Windows 11 use Disk Cleanup:

    1. Open Disk Cleanup (search for it in Start).
    2. Click on Cleanup system files.
    3. Select your drive (usually C:).
    4. Wait for it to scan.
    5. Look for options like:
    6. Temporary Internet Files (may include some browser cache).
    7. Temporary Files.
    8. Check those options if available.
    9. Click OK and confirm.

     

    Important Notes:

    Modern browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge (Chromium) store cache files in their own directories, which Disk Cleanup might not fully clean.

    For the most thorough cache clearing, it's better to manually clear cache within each browser (via Ctrl+Shift+Delete) or use browser-specific cleanup tools.

    The "Hidden Browser Cache" option in Disk Cleanup is more useful for legacy or system-level cache files.

  • No problem! Let's fix that sluggish browser together. You're absolutely right – clearing browser cache often solves loading issues and sluggishness.

    If You Want to Be Extra Safe:

    • Close all browser windows first
    • Open just one fresh browser window
    • Use the Ctrl + Shift + Delete method above
    • Close and reopen browser when done

     

    What WON'T Be Deleted if you are going to Clear Browser Cache:

    ✅ All saved passwords (you'll stay logged in to sites)

    ✅ Bookmarks/Favorites

    ✅ Browser extensions/add-ons

    ✅ History (unless you check that box)

    ✅ Autofill information (addresses, credit cards)

    ✅ Downloaded files on your computer

    ✅ Browser settings

  • QuentinNash's avatar
    QuentinNash
    Iron Contributor

    How to clear browser cache on Windows 11?

    For All Browsers: The Universal Shortcut
    Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete on your keyboard while your browser is open.
    This opens the clear browsing data menu instantly in Chrome, Edge, and Firefox.

    What "Cache" Actually Is (Simple Explanation)
    Think of cache like a short-term memory for your browser:

    • It stores: Website images, parts of pages you visit often
    • Purpose: Makes websites load faster on return visits
    • Safe to delete: It will rebuild automatically as you browse
    • Not deleted: Your passwords, bookmarks, history (unless you check those boxes)

     

    Quick Alternative of how to clear browser cache (Windows Settings Method)
    If you're more comfortable with Windows settings:

    1. Press Windows Key + I to open Settings

    2. Go to Apps → Installed apps

    3. Find your browser (Chrome/Edge/Firefox)

    4. Click "⋮" (three dots) → Modify

    5. Look for "Repair" or "Clear data" option (varies by browser)

  • Arya66's avatar
    Arya66
    Iron Contributor

    Here's a simple explanation for clearing browser cache in Mozilla Firefox:

    1. Open Firefox on your Windows 11 computer.

    2. Click on the three horizontal lines (also called the hamburger menu) located in the top-right corner of the browser window.

    3. From the menu that appears, select Settings.

    4. In the Settings menu, look on the left side and click on Privacy & Security.

    5. Scroll down until you find the section called Cookies and Site Data.

    6. Click on the Clear Data button.

    7. A small window will pop up with options. Make sure to check Cached Web Content—this is what clears the cache.

    8. Do not check Cookies and Site Data unless you want to remove login info and cookies as well.

    9. After confirming your choices, click the Clear button to clear browser cache.

    10 That’s it! Firefox will clear the cached files, which can help make browsing smoother.

    This process is safe and won't delete your saved passwords or other important settings—just the temporary cache files Firefox stores to speed up browsing.

  • Enzoip's avatar
    Enzoip
    Iron Contributor

    Clearing your browser cache can help improve performance and fix loading issues. I'll guide you through the simple steps for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox on Windows 11. These steps won't delete your saved passwords or important settings.

    How to Clear Browser Cache in Google Chrome

    1. Open Chrome.
    2. Click the three dots in the top-right corner.
    3. Hover over More tools and select Clear browsing data.
    4. In the pop-up window:
    5. Set the Time range to All time to clear everything.
    6. Check Cached images and files.
    7. Uncheck other options like Passwords or Cookies if you want to keep them.
    8. Click Clear data.

    How to Clear Browser Cache in Microsoft Edge

    1. Open Edge.
    2. Click the three dots in the top-right corner.
    3. Select Settings.
    4. On the left sidebar, click Privacy, search, and services.
    5. Under Clear browsing data, click Choose what to clear.
    6. Set the Time range to All time.
    7. Check Cached images and files.
    8. Make sure other options like Passwords are unchecked.
    9. Click Clear now.

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