How to Delete Your Internet Cache

Make room on your hard drive by deleting the cache from your Internet browser.

When you visit a Web page, temporary files from that page, such as graphics and cookies, are stored on your hard drive. These files are called the Internet cache. When you go to the page again, the site loads faster because of the files stored on your computer. However, as the cache builds, it takes up more space on your hard drive. Periodically deleting the cache in your browser ensures you are seeing the most up-to-date version of your frequently visited sites and clears space on your hard drive.

Instructions

Internet Explorer

1. Click the "Tools" icon located on the top-right part of the browser. It is next to the "Favorites" icon which looks like a star.

2. Click "Safety" and click "Delete Browsing History" from the pop-out menu.

3. Click the box next to "Temporary Internet Files" to check it. Remove the checks in the other boxes.

4. Click "Delete" at the bottom of the dialog box.

Firefox

1. Click the orange bar labeled "Firefox" at the top-left part of the browser. Or you can press the "Alt" key on your keyboard. When you do, a menu bar at the top of the browser appears. Click "Tools" and "Clear Recent History" and skip step 2.

2. Hover your cursor over "History" and click "Clear Recent History" from the pop-out menu.

3. Click the down arrow for the drop-down menu next to "Time Range to Clear" and select a time range. Make sure the box for "Cache" is checked and uncheck the other boxes.

4. Click "Clear Now."

Chrome

1. Click the "Wrench" icon at the top-right corner of the browser.

2. Click "Options" from the drop-down menu.

3. Click the "Under the Hood" tab and select "Clear Browsing Data."

4. Check the "Empty the Cache" box and uncheck the other boxes.

5. Click "Clear Browsing Data."

Safari

1. Click "Safari" located at the top-right of the menu bar of your browser.

2. Click "Empty Cache" from the drop-down menu.

3. Click "Empty" when asked "Are You Sure You Want to Empty the Cache?"

References

• University of Wisconsin: Division of Information Technology Help Desk: Internet Explorer 9 - Clearing Cache and Cookies: April 2011
• Texas A&M University Information Technology: How to Clear Cookies and Cache in Mozilla Firefox 4.x: May 2011
• University of Wyoming Information Technology: How to Delete Browser Cache in Google Chrome: January 2011
• Texas A&M University Information Technology: How to Clear Cookies and Cache in Safari 3.x to 5.x: May 2011