How to Clear the Cache in Internet Explorer
Clear Internet Explorer’s cached files without deleting cookies or passwords. Follow the steps for standalone IE or Internet Explorer mode in Edge.
To clear only the cache in standalone Internet Explorer: open Tools (or the gear icon) > Internet Options > General > Browsing history > Delete. Select Temporary Internet Files or, in IE11, Temporary Internet files and website files. Leave Cookies and other categories unchecked, then choose Delete.
Clear the cache in standalone Internet Explorer
- Open Internet Explorer. If the menu bar is hidden, press Alt to reveal it; depending on the version, you may also see a gear icon.
- Choose Tools > Internet Options.
- On the General tab, find Browsing history and select Delete.
- Select Temporary Internet Files or Temporary Internet files and website files. The label varies by version.
- For a cache-only cleanup, leave Cookies, History, Form data, Passwords, and other unrelated boxes unchecked.
- Select Delete, wait for the operation to finish, then close the dialog. Select OK to close Internet Options if needed.
The route and temporary-file option are documented in legacy guides for IE7/IE8 and IE11, but wording and placement can vary between versions. Microsoft Support provides current browser support information.
Choose what to delete
Internet Explorer separates cached files from other browsing data. Temporary internet files are local copies of web pages, images, and media that can help pages load faster on a later visit. Cookies store site preferences and may keep you signed in. History records visited sites; form data and passwords are separate categories.
| Category | What selecting it does | For cache-only clearing? |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary Internet Files / website files | Removes cached page resources stored by the browser. | Select this. |
| Cookies | Removes stored site preferences and may sign you out. | Leave unchecked unless you also want to clear cookies. |
| History | Removes the browser’s visited-site list. | Leave unchecked. |
| Form data and passwords | Clears separately stored form entries or passwords. | Leave unchecked. |
| Download history | Removes the download list in versions that offer it. | Leave unchecked. |
| Preserve Favorites website data | Controls whether associated data for sites saved in Favorites is preserved. | Choose according to whether you want to keep that data. |
Microsoft describes these as distinct Delete Browsing History categories. Clearing temporary files alone does not erase all browsing traces or saved sign-in information.
If you use Internet Explorer mode in Microsoft Edge
Internet Explorer 11 support ended on June 15, 2022, according to Microsoft Support. If a site still requires Internet Explorer, Microsoft provides Internet Explorer mode in Edge. Clearing data for that mode uses Edge’s IE-specific controls; it is not the same standalone Internet Options dialog.
- In Edge, open Settings and more > Settings.
- Go to Privacy, search, and services > Clear browsing data.
- Choose Choose what to clear in the section for Clear browsing data for Internet Explorer.
- Select the data you intend to remove and confirm. To clear only cached files, select the temporary-file/cache option if offered and leave unrelated categories unselected.
See Microsoft’s Edge privacy and browsing-data guidance for the current settings interface. Microsoft recommends moving to a supported browser for ongoing security updates and technical support; clearing data does not restore support for standalone IE.
When clearing the cache does not fix the page
- Close and reopen the page: the browser may still have the old page open. Navigate to it again after deleting files.
- Check the selected category: verify that the temporary-file or website-file option was selected. Clearing cookies or history alone does not clear the cache.
- Consider site data: if the page remains stale, the problem may involve cookies or stored preferences. Clear cookies only if you accept being signed out or losing site preferences.
- Check the browser context: if you are in Edge’s IE mode, use Edge’s IE-specific data controls. The standalone IE instructions do not apply to that interface.
- Account for version differences: older IE versions use different labels and menu layouts. Look for Internet Options, Browsing history, and the temporary-files category.
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FAQ
Will clearing the Internet Explorer cache delete my cookies?
No, not if you leave Cookies unchecked. The delete dialog treats cookies and temporary internet files as separate categories.
Will it delete saved passwords?
Not if Passwords is left unchecked. Review the selected categories before confirming.
Does clearing the cache make Internet Explorer safe or supported again?
No. Microsoft ended IE11 support on June 15, 2022. Clearing cached files does not restore browser updates or technical support.
