Perhaps someone has told you that you need to “clear your cache,” but what does that actually mean, and why does it matter?

By definition, a cache is a folder of recently visited webpages stored on your computer’s hard drive and maintained by your internet browser.

In simple terms, caching is the temporary data your browser stores, such as images, page layouts, and scripts, so it can quickly reuse them and help websites load faster the next time you visit. By keeping these elements on hand, your device doesn’t have to download everything from scratch each time, shaving seconds off load times and improving your overall browsing experience.

Cache Limitations and Issues

The space your cache has on your hard drive is limited, and over time, it can get congested. Data that hasn’t been accessed for a while gets tossed out to make room for new data from the new pages that you visit.

Sometimes, the cache process doesn’t work properly. The result is an incompletely loaded page, or a page that looks odd because it’s supposed to load new content, but it’s showing old content. (Sometimes, page loading problems aren’t caused by a faulty cache, but this is such a common cause that you’ve probably heard people say, “You need to clear your browser’s cache.”)

Why Your Cache Matters

Your device’s operating system also uses caches to quickly access frequently used files and processes. These system‑level caches help improve overall speed and responsiveness. Clearing them is usually not necessary, but system updates or troubleshooting steps may refresh them automatically.

Your cache plays a major role in how fast and smoothly your device operates. By saving pieces of websites you visit, like images and layout files, your browser doesn’t have to download everything every time you revisit a page. This cuts down loading times and reduces the strain on your internet connection.

A healthy, well‑managed cache helps:

  • Speed up browsing, especially for sites you visit often.
  • Improve performance, since your device can reuse stored files instead of reprocessing them.
  • Reduce data usage, which can be especially helpful on limited or slow networks.

When your cache becomes cluttered or corrupted, those benefits disappear, and your browsing experience may feel slower or glitchier.

Types of Cache

Not all caches are the same. Several types work behind the scenes on your devices, each with its own role in keeping things running efficiently.

Browser Cache

A browser cache stores elements of websites, such as graphics and page data, on your device so pages load faster when you revisit them. If the cache becomes overloaded or out of sync with new site updates, pages may load incorrectly or show outdated information.

App Cache

Many mobile and desktop apps keep their own caches to store temporary data. This helps apps launch quickly and load content faster. Over time, however, app caches can grow large or become cluttered, which can slow performance or cause unexpected behavior.

System Cache

Your device’s operating system also uses caches to quickly access frequently used files and processes. These system‑level caches help improve overall speed and responsiveness. Clearing them is usually not necessary, but system updates or troubleshooting steps may refresh them automatically.

How to Clear Cache on Different Browsers?

How to Clear Cache in Chrome?

  1. In the upper right of the browser, click the little icon that says Customize and control Google Chrome when you hover over it with your cursor
  2. Click History
  3. Click Clear browsing data

How to Clear Cache in Internet Explorer?

  1. In the upper right of Internet Explorer, click the gear icon or Tools
  2. Click Internet Options
  3. Under Browsing History, you’ll see a delete button; click that

Other Browsers and Software Solutions

If you use another browser, and there are a few, search online for instructions on how to clear your cache. Another option you have is to use software (free or paid) designed to clean the clutter from your computer and devices. These programs often work well, but sometimes they work too well and clean more than they are supposed to. It’s always a good idea to back up your information before cleaning your computer.

Cache FAQs

What’s the difference between cache and search history?

Your cache stores temporary files from websites, like images, page layouts, and scripts, to help pages load faster the next time you visit them.

Your search history, on the other hand, is simply a log of the websites you’ve visited or the terms you’ve searched for. Clearing one does not automatically clear the other.

Is it safe to clear the cache?

Yes. Clearing your cache only removes temporary webpage data, not your personal files or important browser settings. In many cases, it fixes issues like pages not loading correctly or outdated content displaying.

Does clearing the cache delete passwords?

No. Clearing your cache does not delete saved passwords. Passwords are stored separately in your browser’s password manager, not in the cache folder.

How often should you clear the cache?

There’s no fixed schedule, but clearing your cache periodically can help resolve display issues, free up space, and improve browser performance, especially if you notice pages loading oddly or your browser slowing down.

Does a full cache slow down my device?

It can. When your cache becomes too full or contains outdated files, your browser may struggle to load updated pages, leading to slower performance or visual glitches.

What’s the benefit of keeping cache instead of clearing it?

A healthy cache speeds up load times, saves data usage, and helps websites run smoothly by reusing stored files. That’s why clearing it too frequently can temporarily slow things down until the cache rebuilds.

Does clearing the cache remove viruses or malware?

Clearing your cache can fix display issues, but it won’t remove malware. If you suspect malicious activity, a security scan from a trusted provider like McAfee is the safest solution.