How to Clear Your Browser's Cache

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Many issues with web-based applications and web pages can be cured simply by clearing your browser’s cache.

The browser cache keeps old copies of viewed web pages and other information on your local computer. Since data is not downloaded every time you visit a page this may speed up your browsing experience. It can also, sometimes, lead to problems — especially when new data is available but not being updated by your browser. Clearing your browser’s cache forces it to download all new data.

Although the instructions below may vary depending on your operating system and browser version, we have some general procedures to suggest. Here’s how to clear your browser’s cache:

Chrome (Windows, Mac OS, Linux)

The instructions here may vary depending on your operating system.

  1. Start Chrome.
  2. Click the three stacked dots icon at the top right of the Chrome window.
  3. Click More Tools > Clear Browsing Data. (Or just press Ctrl-Shift-Delete in Windows or Shift-Command-Delete on a Mac.) This will open the Clear Browsing Data dialog box.
  4. Change the time range to All time.
  5. Make sure the following options are selected:
    1. Browsing history
    2. Cookies and other site data
    3. Cached images and files
  6. Click the Clear Data button.
  7. Restart Chrome.

Firefox (Windows, Mac OS, Linux)

The instructions here may vary depending on your operating system.

  1. Start Firefox.
  2. Click the hamburger icon (three horizontal lines) at the top right of the Firefox window.
  3. Click the History link (or click History in the Firefox menu, if visible).
  4. Click the Clear History or Clear Recent History, as appropriate. A dialog box will open.
  5. Under time range to clear dropdown menu, choose Everything.
  6. In the options or details area below that, make sure the following are selected:
    1. Browsing and Download History
    2. Form & Search History
    3. Cookies
    4. Cache
    5. Active Logins
  7. Click the Clear Now button.
  8. Restart Firefox.

Safari (Mac OS and iOS)

Safari on macOS:

  1. Start Safari.
  2. In the top menu, click Safari > Clear History.
  3. In the Clear drop-down menu, choose All History.
  4. Click the Clear History button.
  5. Restart Safari.


Safari on iOS:

  1. Tap the iOS Settings icon.
  2. Scroll down to the Safari entry and tap it.
  3. Scroll down to the Clear History and Website Data link and tap it.

Edge (Windows 10)

  1. Start the Edge browser.
  2. Click the hamburger icon (three horizontal bars) at the top right of the Edge window.
  3. Scroll to the bottom and click Settings.
  4. At the bottom of the Settings, below the Clear browsing data label, click Choose what to clear.
  5. Make sure the following are selected:
    1. Browsing history
    2. Cookies and saved website data
    3. Cached data and files
  6. Click the Clear button.
  7. Restart Edge.

Internet Explorer (Windows 7 and 10)

  1. Start Internet Explorer.
  2. Click the gear icon at the top right of the IE window.
  3. Click Internet Options.
  4. On the General tab. In the Browsing history section, click the Delete… button.
  5. Make sure to select the first four boxes boxes:
    1. Preserve Favorites website data
    2. Temporary Internet files and website files
    3. Cookies and website data
    4. History
  6. Click the Delete button.
  7. Click OK.
  8. Restart Internet Explorer.
     

Questions? Submit a support request via Mines Help Center “Helpdesk” at https://helpdesk.mines.edu. Or call the IT Service Desk at 303-278-HELP (4357). Or walk into the Service Desk (CT156) during regular business hours.

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