How to Clear Cache [Games & Browsers]

Here is a complete guide on PC Cache, what it means, how to clear it across different platforms, and additional tips.

If you’ve recently started experiencing a lag in your browsing experience that was not previously there, it might be because you are not clearing your Cache. Resetting your Cache gives you a fresh start for optimized browsing. I have you covered for every browser type, so do not worry and hang on tight!

Key Takeaways
  • Cache improves user experience by storing crucial data.
  • The cache contains cookies (website tracking data) that you should clear before online purchases or troubleshooting login issues.
  • Gaming apps like Steam, EA Origin, Ubisoft Connect, and Epic Games Launcher have specific cache-clearing steps. Clearing out their cache helps resolve networking issues.

Browser cache cleanup methods vary:

  • Chrome has conventional and extension options
  • Edge has a search bar
  • Safari uses Privacy Settings
  • Opera offers a quick scroll-down option
  • Firefox needs Privacy & Security Settings
  • Internet Explorer simplifies it under Settings > Safety > Delete Browsing history.

What is Cache?

Every time you use an application, like Chrome or Steam, it stores certain information that helps applications load faster in a place called the cache[1]. You can think of this as a backpack your browser carries. Every time you load a website, this backpack helps it load faster. 

However, this backpack can start filling up over time, slowing your application. But, if you clear your backpack, you are off to a fresh start. This can optimize your user experience and help with smoother gaming. 

When Should I Clear the Cache?

In theory, clearing the cache does help with the overall browser experience. However, not doing so may slow down your experience when websites are updated. The same goes for browser updates. Also, not cleaning browser data might lead to security issues before purchasing.

If you want to browse a website without any slow-downs or the website hanging up on you, removing cached data helps[2]. It is also a good practice to do it occasionally, perhaps once a month.

I believe you should clear your cache when doing the following:

  • Before making any online purchase. 
  • Before performing any Custom Backup.
  • To view the newest version of a website.
  • If your website browsing experience feels sluggish.
  • If some component or web app isn’t functioning as it should.

Similarly, clearing up the cache for Windows files should not slow your PC down, but sometimes, when it gets bloated, it is highly advisable to clear it.

The same goes for Gaming Applications like Steam. Clearing up cache in gaming applications often helps reduce bugs and errors, especially concerning connectivity issues. 

Here are some advantages and disadvantages of clearing cache on your PC:

AdvantagesDisadvantages
Speeds up your device and applicationsMakes some websites who rely on cache sluggish
Free up storage space hogged up by cacheYou can lose your saved login information on websites
Protect your private information stored in form of cache by removing itRemoves personalized settings in web apps and browsers
Resolves network connectivity issues in applicationsDeletes useful autofill data

Clearing Cache Using CCleaner 

CCleaner is a utility software used to optimize PC performance by removing all unnecessary data. It is easy to use and can help perform otherwise complicated tasks in a much simpler manner.

The CCleaner can clear cookies, browsing history, and temporary files. It can also fix errors in the Windows registry through its registry cleaner.

You can easily download the software from their official website. Once downloaded, you will be greeted with the following screen.

How to Clear cache using CCleaner
Clear cache using CCleaner (Image by eXputer)

You can choose what to clear by ticking the boxes under every application. 

Caution: If you clear the Internet Cache of browsers, your browser will not remember your current login info. To avoid this, you can manually clear browser data by reading methods for the browsers below.

Upon clicking Analyze, CCleaner will show the amount of storage it can clear by running it. If you find it acceptable, you may press the Run Cleaner option to clean out your PC. 

Clear Temp Files

Your system creates temp files for temporary use to load data faster on certain applications. It is usually located in the AppData folder. Often, it can accumulate and take large parts of your storage.[3]

You can clear the files by following the steps listed down below. 

  1. Press Win+R to open the Run application.
  2. Type in %temp%.
  3. You will be greeted with the temp folder > You can delete all the files by pressing CTRL+A, right-clicking, > Delete.
    How to access Program Data
    Program Data (Image by eXputer)

With these easy steps, your PC will eliminate unnecessary temp files. 

Clear DNS Cache

Your DNS data may help you load applications and log in faster. However, sometimes it gets loaded with outdated and incorrect data, which may lead to login issues. You can easily flush the DNS by following the simple steps listed below.[4]

  1. Open the command prompt by pressing Win > Search for CMD. 
  2. Once in the command prompt > Write ipconfig /flushdns to flush your DNS.
    How to Flush DNS
    Flush DNS (Image by eXputer)

Yep, that was all there was to it.

Disk Cleanup

You can also perform Disk Cleanup for individual disks on your PC. This can save large amounts of data and improve the overall performance of your PC. 

  1. Press Win > search for Disk Cleanup.
  2. Select the drive you want to clean > press OK. 
  3. Tick the files you want to delete > click on Clean up system files.
    How to perform disk cleanup
    Disk Cleanup (Image by eXputer)

With this, your disk gets rid of useless/temp files.

Clear Cache In Gaming Applications 

Clearing your cache in gaming applications can help with many problems and improve overall performance.[5]

  • It frees up storage, which helps games run faster.
  • Clearing it also fixes game crashes and bugs since the cache can contain incorrect or outdated information. 
  • It fixes authentication and login problems.
  • Improving game performance is also one of the benefits of doing so since a bloated cache can slow your gaming experience down. 

All in all, it is important to do this occasionally. Hence, I have listed the method to clear it for every major gaming platform. 

Steam

Steam is a very user-friendly application that is incredibly easy to navigate. Follow the steps listed below to clear your cache in Steam.

  1. Click on the steam icon in the top left corner > Press settings. 
  2. Go to the downloads folder. 
  3. There will be an option to clear the download cache > Click on that.
  4. When prompted > press OK.
    How to Clear cache in steam
    Clear cache in steam (Image by eXputer)

And you are all done! That was pretty easy.

EA Origin

Doing the same task for EA Origin is much more complicated than other applications. But worry not, I got you. Follow the steps below. 

  1. Go to your C Drive by opening File Explorer > followed by My PC. 
  2. Click on ProgramData. 
  3. If you cannot find ProgramData > Go to the view section > Tick the Hidden Items box.
    How to access Program Data
    Program Data (Image by eXputer)
  4. Find the EA Core folder in ProgramData > open it. 
  5. Once you do that > you will be greeted with the folder named “cache” > Simply delete it.

That’s it! You are all done. 

Ubisoft Connect

Just like Steam, Ubisoft Connect is also very user-friendly. It has a dedicated cache-clearing utility within. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Click on the options, which are located in the top-left corner of your screen. Three lines represent it. 
  2. After doing so > click on settings. 
  3. Go to Downloads. 
  4. There will be an option to delete all game installers > Click on that.
    How to Clear Cache in Uplay
    Clear cache in Ubisoft Connect (Image by eXputer)

Yep, that is it. 

Epic Games Launcher

The Epic Games Launcher’s method of how to do this may look complicated, but it is extremely easy, and you will be done before you know it. 

  1. Open File Explorer > Go to Quick Access. 
  2. Upon reaching there > Edit the Quick Access bar > write %localappdata%.
    How to access Local App Data
    Local App Data (Image by eXputer)
  3. After doing so > Find Epic Games Launcher in it.
  4. Go to Saved.
  5. You will find the cache folder here > Delete it. 

Boom! You are already done. 

Clear Cache in Browsers

Clearing Cache in browsers helps improve the overall experience in web-based gaming. It can also improve speed and delete incorrect information stored in the browser cache, like old passwords.[6]

Clear Cache in Google Chrome

There are two methods for clearing browser data in Google Chrome. The first one should be used if you do not clean your cache often. The second one is for those users who do it more frequently.[7]

Method 1

In this method, I manually clean the browsing data. Just with a few quick steps, you will be done!

  1. Fire up Chrome by pressing Win > type in Chrome.
    How to Open Chrome
    Open Chrome (Image by eXputer)
  2. Now that you have opened up the browser > Press CTRL+H > This will open up the history section of your browser. 
  3. On the left-hand side, you will see an option to Clear browsing data > Click it.
    How to Clear browsing data in chrome
    Clear browsing data (Image by eXputer)
  4. Upon clicking this, you will be greeted with a menu with options for clearing the data > You will initially be on the Basic section > Click Advanced, which will be towards the right.
  5. Make sure the Time Range is set to All time > Then, click on Clear data.
    How to Clear Cache in Chrome
    Clear Cache in Chrome (Image by eXputer)
  6. If you are using an Apple device, you need to go to the top menu bar in Chrome and Press Quit > For Windows, just close Chrome and launch it again.

Method 2

This method involves adding an extension that helps you remove cached data in seconds. 

  1. Click this link.
  2. You will be greeted with an app that clears the cache in the Chrome web store > Press Add to Chrome.
    How to Add extension
    Add an extension (Image by eXputer)
  3. You will be greeted with a confirmation prompt > Go ahead and press Add extension.
    How to Confirm the extension
    Confirm the extension (Image by eXputer)
  4. Next up, you will face the options for the extension > Check the following ones.
    The Options in the Extensions
    Options in the Extensions (Image by eXputer)
  5. Afterward, you have to scroll down to the Period section of this page > Select Everything.
    Set it to everything
    The time period in the Extension (Image by eXputer)
  6. Finally, you will have this extension in your Chrome bar.
    The Extensions in chrome
    Extensions in Chrome (Image by eXputer)
  7.  You can pin it to access it at any time.

Boom! You are all done. You will experience a much smoother browsing experience, especially if your cache is bloated.

Microsoft Edge 

Clearing your browsing data in Microsoft Edge is as simple as clearing it on Google Chrome, if not simpler. Just follow the easy steps listed below.[8] 

  1. Press Win, > Search for Microsoft Edge.
    How to Open Microsoft Edge
    Open Microsoft Edge (Image by eXputer)
  2. Now, you will notice the 3 dots on the corner of your screen > Hover your mouse over it and navigate to Settings.
  3. Next, click on the search icon > Search for Clear Browsing.
    Search bar - Clear Browsing
    Settings-browsing Data (Edge) (Image by eXputer)
  4. Click on the first option > You will be greeted with the options tab for clearing browsing data > The default options selected are perfect, so you do not have to change anything > Just click on Clear Now.
    How to Clear Cache - Microsoft Edge
    Clear Cache – Microsoft Edge (Image by eXputer)

There you have it. You have removed all existing browsing data from your Microsoft Edge browser. You do not have to worry about forgetting passwords either since the default options in the Clear Browsing data tab choose to save it. 

Safari 

You do not need to worry if you are an Apple User because I also have you covered. The steps for clearing your cookies on Safari are slightly different than other browsers, so pay attention.[9]

  1. Launch Safari. 
  2. Click Safari, which will be on the top menu bar of your Browser.
    How to Open Safari Settings
    Safari Settings (Image by eXputer)
  3. Now, navigate to Privacy Settings. 
  4. Next, click on Manage Website Data.
    How to Open Manage Website Data - Privacy
    Manage Website Data – Privacy (Image by eXputer)
  5. Finally, it would help if you pressed Remove All. 
  6. Once you do that, you will be greeted with a pop-up > There will be an option for Remove Now.
    Clear Cache in Safari
    Clear Cookies in Safari (Image by eXputer)
  7. Click it.

You are all done. Your Safari Browser will now Clear the Cache. This removes all data that reside on all websites that have been visited on your computer. Happy Browsing!

Opera 

Even though Opera is low-key, many users report using it for a multitude of reasons. So, I do not blame you and am here to help you clear your cookies from it![10]

  1. Press Win, and type Opera > Then, launch it.
    How to Launch Opera
    Launch Opera (Image by eXputer)
  2. Now, on the right-hand side > There is an option for Easy Setup > Click it.
    How to open Easy Setup
    Easy Setup (Image by eXputer)
  3. Next, at the bottom of the options, there will be one for Browsing Data > Scroll down to it.
    Browsing Data Option In Opera
    Browsing Data Option (Image by eXputer)
  4. Press Clear.
  5. When you do that, you will be greeted with the full option view for clearing browsing data in Opera > There will be two sections > Press Advanced which will be on the right. 
  6. Now, edit the time options to All-Time> click on Clear Data.
    Optimize Opera by Clearing Cache in Opera
    Clear Cache in Opera (Image by eXputer)

With these simple steps, you can Clear all browsing Data in Opera. 

Also, read How To Verify Game Files On PC

Firefox

To the ones who never abandoned the fiery fox, I am here for you too! Follow the easy-to-follow steps listed below.[11]

  1. Press Win, and search for Firefox > Click it when it shows up.
  2. Next, navigate to its options, which reside on the top right side of the browser.
    How to launch Options button in Firefox
    Options button in Firefox (Image by eXputer)
  3. After clicking it, you will be greeted with various options > However, ironically, you must scroll down to another Options button.
    Scroll Down to Options (Image by eXputer)
  4. There would be 5 different options available > Click on Privacy & Security.
    How to go to Privacy and Security in Firefox
    Privacy and Security in Firefox (Image by eXputer)
  5. There will be an option to Clear Data here > Press it.
    Go to Clear Data
    Clear Data Option in Firefox (Image by eXputer)
  6. You will see a tab open up once you click this > Unselect Cookie and Site Data > Click on Clear.
    With these steps you can Clear Cache in Firefox
    Clear Cache in Firefox (Image by eXputer)

There you have it > Now your Firefox Browser is as good as new. 

Internet Explorer 

For all the boomers out there, I got you too! Surprisingly, Internet Explorer has the easiest way how Clear Cache.[12]

  1. Launch Internet Explorer through Windows Search. 
  2. Now you have to hover over the settings option on the right section of your screen.
  3. This will open an array of options > Hover on the Safety one. 
  4. Then, more options will show up > One would be to Delete Browsing History > Click that.
    How to go to Delete Browsing History option in Internet Explorer
    Delete the Browsing History option in Internet Explorer (Image by eXputer)
  5. Now, you will have the option to clear your cache > You have to click on that.
  6. Next, select Cookies and Temporary Internet files > press delete. 
    How to Delete Cache in Internet Explorer
    Delete the Cache in Internet Explorer (Image by eXputer)
  7. You will receive a confirmation prompt at the bottom of your screen. 

See! With such easy steps, you have successfully deleted all cookies on Internet Explorer. 

I’ve illustrated how to clear your browsing data on every major browsing platform. So, If you have any questions, do let us know in the comments below. 

If you want to boost performance further, I highly suggest reviewing our article on Disabling Hardware Acceleration. Often, computers become slow because of this. You can also check our guide on optimizing your Windows experience further.

FAQs

What Problems Do Clearing Cache Solve?

The Cache is a small storage allocated to a specific application. It keeps important information which helps in speeding up processes. It reduces loading time on websites that are frequently visited.

Does Cache always improve performance?

No, when it starts becoming full, it slows down the performance instead of speeding it up.

Can we clear browsing data without losing important information like passwords and credentials?

Yes, most browsers have options on whether you want to delete.

Also Read: How To Test Your Network

References

  1. GCFGlobal: “How to Clear Your Web Browser’s Cache.”
  2. Columbia University Information Technology: “Clear Your Browser Cache.”
  3. Blackbaud Knowledgebase: “How to clear the local application cache.”
  4. Louisiana State University: “Windows 10: DNS Flush.”
  5. Steam Support Article: “Clear download cache.”
  6. Brown University: “Clear Your Browser Cache.”
  7. Google Accounts Support Article: “Clear cache & cookies.”
  8. Microsoft Edge Article: “How to manage and clear your cache and cookies.”
  9. Apple Support Article: “Clear the history, cache, and cookies.”
  10. Opera Blogs: “How to clean your browser and remove trackers.”
  11. Firefox Support Article: “How to clear the Firefox cache.”
  12. University of Colorado Boulder: “Clear the Web Browser Cache – Internet Explorer 10 & 11.”
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Haider Khan is our error guides writer who loves to tinker around with operating systems and game files to find practical solutions to video game issues. He then crafts easy-to-follow error fix guides based on his findings. He’s also a Battlefield veteran who likes to rack up some Ws in his spare time. Learn some more about his gaming journey on his Steam profile. Experience: 3+ Years || Education: Bachelor's in Journalism || Successfully Troubleshot Over 200 Games || Mainly Covers Error Fix & Game Settings 

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