How to Clear Browser Cache in Internet Explorer 11: A Definitive Guide

So, your Internet Explorer 11 (IE11) is acting up? Pages are loading slowly, displaying old content, or just generally behaving strangely? Nine times out of ten, the culprit is a cluttered browser cache. Clearing it out is the digital equivalent of spring cleaning for your browser, and I’m here to guide you through the process, step-by-step. Think of me as your seasoned tech guru, ready to demystify this essential maintenance task.

To clear the browser cache in Internet Explorer 11, follow these simple steps:

1. Open Internet Explorer 11. Obvious, I know, but always good to start at the very beginning.
2. Access the “Tools” Menu: There are several ways to do this. The easiest is to press the “Alt” key on your keyboard. This will reveal the menu bar at the top of the IE11 window. If the menu bar is already visible, skip this step.
3. Navigate to “Internet Options”: In the menu bar, click on “Tools,” then select “Internet Options” from the dropdown menu.
4. Go to the “General” Tab: The “Internet Options” window will open. Make sure you’re on the “General” tab. It should be the default tab.
5. Find the “Browsing History” Section: Locate the section labeled “Browsing history” in the middle of the “General” tab.
6. Click the “Delete…” Button: You’ll see a “Delete…” button within the “Browsing history” section. Click on it.
7. Select “Temporary Internet files and website files”: A new “Delete Browsing History” window will pop up. Make sure the box next to “Temporary Internet files and website files” is checked. This is the key to clearing your cache.
8. Optional: Choose Other Data to Delete: While you’re here, you might want to consider deleting other types of browsing data. You can check boxes for “Cookies and website data,” “History,” “Download history,” “Form data,” “Passwords,” and other options. Be mindful of what you choose, as deleting passwords will require you to re-enter them on websites.
9. Click the “Delete” Button: Once you’ve selected the data you want to clear, click the “Delete” button at the bottom of the “Delete Browsing History” window.
10. Wait for the Process to Complete: IE11 will now clear your selected browsing data. The amount of time this takes will depend on the size of your cache and the speed of your computer. You’ll see a progress indicator.
11. Click “Apply” and “OK” in the “Internet Options” Window: Once the clearing process is complete, click “Apply” and then “OK” in the “Internet Options” window to save your changes.
12. Restart Internet Explorer 11 (Recommended): For the changes to take full effect, it’s a good idea to close and reopen Internet Explorer 11.

And that’s it! You’ve successfully cleared your browser cache in Internet Explorer 11. Now, let’s dive into some frequently asked questions to further enhance your understanding.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Clearing IE11 Cache

1. Why is Clearing My Browser Cache Important?

Your browser cache stores temporary files (images, HTML, CSS, etc.) from websites you visit. This allows your browser to load those websites faster the next time you visit them. However, a bloated cache can cause problems, such as displaying outdated content, slowing down your browser, and even causing websites to malfunction. Regularly clearing your cache helps ensure optimal performance and a smoother browsing experience.

2. How Often Should I Clear My IE11 Cache?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. If you’re experiencing browser issues like the ones mentioned earlier, clearing your cache is a good first step. As a general rule, consider clearing your cache every few weeks or once a month as preventative maintenance, especially if you browse frequently. For websites where accuracy is critical (like banking or financial sites), clearing the cache more often is recommended.

3. Will Clearing My Cache Delete My Passwords?

Not necessarily. When you’re clearing your browsing data in Internet Explorer 11, you have the option to specifically select whether or not to delete saved passwords. If you leave the “Passwords” box unchecked, your saved passwords will remain intact. However, if you do check the box, then your passwords will be deleted.

4. What’s the Difference Between Cache and Cookies?

Cache stores temporary files that help websites load faster. Cookies, on the other hand, are small text files that websites store on your computer to remember information about you, such as your login details, preferences, and shopping cart items. Both can contribute to privacy concerns and performance issues, but they serve different purposes. Clearing the cache primarily addresses performance, while clearing cookies primarily addresses privacy.

5. Is There a Keyboard Shortcut to Clear the Cache in IE11?

Unfortunately, there isn’t a single, dedicated keyboard shortcut to directly clear the cache in IE11. However, you can use the “Alt” key to access the menu bar, then use the arrow keys to navigate to “Tools,” then “Internet Options,” and proceed from there. It’s not a single shortcut, but it’s faster than using the mouse alone.

6. How Do I Know If I’ve Successfully Cleared My Cache?

After clearing the cache and restarting IE11, try visiting a website that was previously causing problems. If the website loads correctly and displays the most up-to-date content, then you’ve likely cleared the cache successfully. You can also check the “Temporary Internet Files and Website files” folder to see if it’s been emptied. You’ll find the specific location of this folder in the “Settings” section within “Browsing history settings” in Internet Options.

7. Can I Automatically Clear My Cache Every Time I Close IE11?

Yes, you can! In the “Internet Options” window, on the “General” tab, locate the “Browsing history” section. Check the box that says “Delete browsing history on exit.” This will automatically clear your browsing history, including the cache, every time you close Internet Explorer 11. Be aware that this will also clear cookies, history, and other browsing data, depending on your settings.

8. What Happens If I Don’t Clear My Cache for a Long Time?

If you neglect to clear your cache, it can become bloated with outdated and potentially conflicting files. This can lead to a variety of problems, including:

• Slow browser performance: Loading websites will take longer.
• Displaying outdated content: You might see older versions of websites instead of the latest updates.
• Website malfunctions: Some website features might not work correctly.
• Security vulnerabilities: Old cached files could potentially contain vulnerabilities that could be exploited.

9. Does Clearing the Cache Affect My Internet Speed?

Clearing the cache itself doesn’t directly affect your internet speed. Your internet speed is determined by your internet service provider (ISP) and your network connection. However, clearing a bloated cache can indirectly improve your browsing experience by allowing websites to load faster and more efficiently, making it seem like your internet speed has increased.

10. I’m Still Having Problems After Clearing My Cache. What Else Can I Try?

If clearing the cache doesn’t resolve your issue, there are other troubleshooting steps you can take:

• Disable browser extensions: Some extensions can interfere with website functionality.
• Reset Internet Explorer settings: This will restore IE11 to its default configuration.
• Update Internet Explorer: Make sure you have the latest version of IE11 installed.
• Check your computer for malware: Malware can cause browser problems.
• Contact the website’s support team: The problem might be with the website itself.

11. How Do I View the Files Currently Stored in My IE11 Cache?

You can’t easily browse the files directly in a user-friendly way. However, the location where these files are stored is listed under Settings in the Browsing history section on the General Tab of Internet Options. Typing or pasting the location in File Explorer will show the directory, but the contents will appear cryptically named. These are not intended for direct user viewing.

12. Is Clearing the Cache in IE11 the Same as Clearing It in Other Browsers?

While the underlying principle is the same – removing temporary files to improve performance and address issues – the specific steps and terminology can vary slightly between different browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, etc.). Generally, you’ll find the option to clear browsing data, including the cache, in the browser’s settings or history menu. The key is to look for options related to “cache,” “temporary files,” or “browsing data.”

Clearing your IE11 cache is a fundamental skill for maintaining a healthy and responsive browsing experience. By following these steps and understanding the nuances discussed in the FAQs, you’ll be well-equipped to troubleshoot browser issues and keep your Internet Explorer 11 running smoothly. Now, go forth and conquer those digital gremlins!