20 - How to clear cache and cookies
- Bijoy George
- Rajni Jangir
When you are using web applications, it is very important that you clear the local cache and cookies stored on your computer from time to time for optimal performance. If you would like to know more, please refer to the bottom of this page tilted Importance of Clearing Cache and cookies on your PC. Please follow the instructions below depending upon the type of web browser you are using. Please note that saving your passwords in Browser cache is not a good practice and if you do, please remember not to check password box. For some browsers, this information/check box selection is included in the Advanced tab.
Steps to delete history in Google Chrome:
On your computer, open Chrome.
At the top right, click three dots.
Select Settings
Select Privacy and Security
Click Delete Browsing Data.
Click the Advanced tab.
Check boxes for Browsing History, Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files. And then Click Clear Data
If you are using a Windows computer, close and reopen Chrome to save your changes. If you are on an Apple computer, go to the Chrome menu in the top menu bar and select Quit for the changes to take effect.
Steps to delete history in Firefox:
On your computer, open Firefox.
At the top right, click three horizontal lines.
Select Settings
Select Privacy and Security from the left navigation.
Scroll down and under the Cookies and Site Data option, click the Clear Data button.
Check the boxes for Cookies and Site Data and Cached Web Content then click the Clear button.
If you are using a Windows computer, close and reopen Firefox to save your changes. If you are on a Mac computer, go to the Firefox menu in the top menu bar and select 'Quit' for the changes to take effect.
Steps to clear history in Microsoft Edge:
On your computer, open Microsoft Edge.
At the top right, click three dots.
Select Settings
Select Privacy, search, and services.
In the Clear browsing data section, click on Choose what to clear.
Choose Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.
Click Clear Now.
Close and restart Microsoft Edge to apply your changes.
Importance of Clearing Cache and cookies on your PC
When you clear cache, it does the following:
Maximizing Performance: Cache stores a lot of data on your local drive, potentially occupying significant disk space. The more data in the cache, the slower your computer may become. Clearing the cache can enhance website loading times and improve your device's performance.
Viewing Recent Pages: Your cache typically retrieves stored pages when revisiting a website. However, these may not always be the most recent versions. Clearing the cache forces your browser to fetch the latest pages, ensuring you see the most up-to-date content.
Maintaining Security: Clearing cookies is crucial for privacy, especially when using public or shared computers. Leaving cookies behind can expose your browsing history to others. Cookies may also store sensitive data and become targets for adware, malware, or viruses.
Fixing Browser Errors: Cached data can sometimes cause browser issues, leading to slow-loading websites, errors, or unresponsiveness. Clearing the cache can resolve these problems.
When you clear cookies, it does the following:
Enhance Security: Deleting cookies prevents hackers from potentially accessing your browser sessions and stealing personal data.
Protect Personal Information: Cookies collect personal data to track your online behavior, often for targeted advertising. Clearing cookies helps protect your privacy.
Exercise Caution: On public computers, not clearing cookies can expose your browsing history to the next user, risking unauthorized access to your accounts.
Speed Up Browsing: Accumulated cookies can slow down your system. Removing them can lead to faster web browsing.
In summary, clearing cache and cookies is essential for optimizing performance, maintaining privacy, and safeguarding your personal information when using shared or public computers.