How do I clear my web browser's cache?

Each time you access a file through your web browser, the browser caches (stores) it. In this way, the files (including any images on the page) do not have to be retrieved anew from the remote web site each time you click the Back or Forward buttons. You should periodically clear the cache to allow your browser to function more efficiently.

If you do not see instructions for your specific version or browser, search your browser's Help menu for "clear cache".

On this page:

• Windows
  • Internet Explorer 8
  • Internet Explorer 7
  • Firefox 3
  
  
• Mac OS and Mac OS X
  • Safari
  • Firefox 3

Internet Explorer 8

1. From the Safety menu, click Delete Browsing History... .
   
   
2. Check Temporary Internet files and History, and then click Delete.

Internet Explorer 7

1. From the Tools menu, select Internet Options... .
   
   
2. Choose the General tab.
   
   
3. Under Browsing history, click Delete... .
   
   
4. Next to "Temporary Internet Files", click Delete files... .
   
   
5. Click Close, and then click OK to exit.

Firefox 3 for Windows

From the Tools menu, select Clear Private Data, and then check Cache. Click Clear Private Data Now.

Safari

1. From the Safari menu, select Empty Cache... .
   
   
2. When prompted, click Empty to confirm that you want to empty the cache.

Firefox 3 for Mac OS X

1. In Firefox, from the Tools menu, select Clear Private Data.
   
   
2. Make sure Cache is checked, and then click Clear Private Data Now.

Also see:

• Using Firefox or Mozilla, how do I view and control cookies?
• How do I clear my web browser's history?
• In Internet Explorer 6 or 7, how do I remove a stored password or other stored information?