How to Clear Cache from Internet Explorer: A Quick and Easy Guide
Hey Readers!
Are you experiencing slow loading times or encountering issues with Internet Explorer? One potential culprit could be a cluttered cache. In this article, we’ll guide you through the simple steps on how to clear cache from Internet Explorer, ensuring a smoother and more efficient browsing experience.
Understanding Internet Explorer Cache
The cache is a temporary storage space used by your browser to store frequently accessed data, such as web pages and images. This helps in faster loading times when you revisit the same websites. However, over time, the cache can accumulate unnecessary data, leading to performance issues.
How to Clear Cache from Internet Explorer
Method 1: Using Keyboard Shortcut
- Open Internet Explorer.
- Press the following keyboard combination: Ctrl + Shift + Del.
- Select the checkbox labeled “Temporary Internet files and website files”.
- Click “Delete”.
Method 2: Using Internet Explorer Settings
- Open Internet Explorer.
- Click on the gear icon in the top-right corner.
- Select “Internet options”.
- Under the “General” tab, click on the “Delete…” button under “Browsing history”.
- Select the checkbox labeled “Temporary Internet files and website files”.
- Click “Delete”.
Method 3: Using Command Prompt
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator. (Type “cmd” in the search bar and run as an administrator.)
- Type the following command: runDll32.exe InetCpl.cpl,ClearMyTracksByProcess 8
- Hit Enter.
Troubleshooting Tips
- If you encounter any issues while clearing the cache, try closing all active browser windows and re-attempting the steps.
- If the problem persists, restart your computer.
- If you’re using an older version of Internet Explorer, the settings menu may slightly differ. Refer to Microsoft’s official documentation for specific instructions.
Benefits of Clearing Cache
- Improved performance: Clearing the cache frees up memory and storage space, resulting in faster loading times and smoother browsing.
- Reduced crashes: An overloaded cache can lead to instability and crashes.
- Enhanced privacy: Some websites may store sensitive information in the cache. Clearing the cache helps protect your privacy by removing this data.
Additional Resources
To further enhance your browsing experience, consider checking out these articles:
- How to Clear Cookies from Internet Explorer
- How to Fix Slow Internet Explorer Performance
- Tips for Optimizing Internet Explorer for Windows 10
Conclusion
Clearing the cache from Internet Explorer is a simple but effective way to improve your browsing experience. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily remove unnecessary data, enhance performance, and ensure a smoother and more enjoyable time on the web.
FAQ about Clearing Cache from Internet Explorer
How do I clear the cache in Internet Explorer?
- Open Internet Explorer.
- Click the “Tools” icon (gear-shaped) in the top-right corner.
- Select “Internet options.”
- In the “Internet options” window, go to the “General” tab.
- Under “Browsing history,” click the “Delete” button.
- In the “Delete Browsing History” window, check the box next to “Temporary internet files and website files.”
- Click “Delete.”
How often should I clear my cache?
- It depends on your browsing habits. If you visit a lot of new websites, you may want to clear your cache more frequently. Also if you experience slow load times or issues with the Internet Explorer, clearing the cache can resolve the issue.
What happens when I clear the cache?
- Clearing the cache removes temporary files stored by websites. This can include images, scripts, and other files that help websites load faster.
Does clearing the cache delete my browsing history?
- No, clearing the cache does not delete your browsing history. Your browsing history is a record of the websites you have visited.
Why do I need to clear the cache?
- Clearing the cache can help improve the performance of Internet Explorer. It can also help resolve issues with websites not loading properly.
How do I clear the cache using keyboard shortcut?
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Del to open the “Delete Browsing History” window. Then, follow the steps outlined in question 1.
How do I clear the cache for a specific website?
- Open Internet Explorer.
- Go to the website for which you want to clear the cache.
- Press Ctrl + F5 to refresh the page. This will clear the cache for that specific website.
How do I clear the cache using command prompt?
- Open Command Prompt.
- Type the following command: del /f /s /q %temp%*.tmp
- Press Enter.
How do I clear the cache in Internet Explorer 11?
- The steps for clearing the cache in Internet Explorer 11 are the same as for earlier versions. Follow the steps outlined in question 1.
How do I clear the cache in Internet Explorer on a Mac?
- Open Internet Explorer.
- Click the “Tools” menu.
- Select “Clear browsing data.”
- In the “Clear browsing data” window, check the box next to “Temporary internet files and website files.”
- Click “Clear.”