Clearing Browser History and Cache
What is cache?
The first time you open a web page the entire site is brand new to your browser. There is a lot of data stored on web pages from images, to widgets, plugins, and other files. Your browser will automatically save some of these files in what is called the cache (pronounced cash). These files are saved so that the browser can load the page faster the next time you open it. The browser can open cached files faster than pulling them in fresh from the website which usually makes for a better web experience for you.
When you need to clear your cache?
The reason why you need to clear your cache from time to time is those files can become dated. With an old cache, your browser is able to bring up an old version of a page, regardless of the current version. If your web developer has made updates to the code or content on your website, and you don’t see any changes, or are receiving errors, chances are you’re viewing cached files, and you need to clear your cache.
No two browsers are exactly alike when it comes to clearing your cache.
The following will show you step by step on how to clear you cache on Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.
How to clear your cache using Google Chrome
Step One: Open Tools Menu
On the upper right-hand corner of your Chrome browser, there are three dots. This represents the tool menu. Click these dots to open the menu.
Step Two: Select ‘History’
Under the tools tab, you will find a list of options. Hover over “More Tools” and another menu will slide out. On this secondary menu, select clear browsing data.
Step Three: Select Clear Data
This will bring up another menu with options for what to clear. To get the most out of this process change the time range to “All Time”. To clear just your cache, unclick from browsing history and cookies. Then at the bottom of this menu click clear data.
How to clear your cache using Firefox
Step One: Open Clear recent history
In the upper left-hand side of your browser find the menu for History. Click History and a drop-down will appear. Click on “Clear Recent History”. This will bring up another menu.
Step Two: Expand Details
Before you click Clear Now, click the details arrow to open up more options.
Step Three: Clear Cache
To clear your entire cache, change the time range to everything. Then, under the details tab select just cache. Click “Clear Now.”
How to clear your cache using Microsoft Edge
Step One: Click on the “Menu” in the upper right corner of Microsoft Edge and open the Browser setting. You can recognize the menu by the three stacked dots.
Step Two: Click on “Privacy, search and services” item in the left-hand menu.
Step Three: Clear browser data”, click on “Choose what to clear” and a pop-up window will appear.
Select the desired Time range and check the “Cached images and files” option. Confirm the selection by clicking the “Clear now” button.