Clearing the cache in Internet Explorer 11 can be a quick and easy process. All you need to do is open the browser, click on the gear icon, go to Safety, and then click on Delete Browsing History. From there, simply select the checkbox next to Temporary Internet files and website files, and hit the delete button. And that’s it – your cache will be cleared!
Step by Step Tutorial: Clearing Cache in Internet Explorer 11
Before we dive into the steps, let’s understand what we’re doing here. Clearing cache means we’re getting rid of all the temporary files that Internet Explorer has saved while you’ve been browsing. This can help your browser run faster and prevent certain issues.
Step 1: Open Internet Explorer 11
Launch Internet Explorer 11 from your computer.
Opening the browser is the first step. You can usually find Internet Explorer 11 on your computer’s taskbar or in the Start menu.
Step 2: Click on the Gear Icon
Locate and click on the gear icon, which is usually in the top right corner.
The gear icon is Internet Explorer’s way of showing you settings or tools. It’s also called the Tools menu.
Step 3: Go to Safety
In the drop-down menu that appears, click on ‘Safety’.
‘Safety’ is where you can find options to help keep your browsing secure and private.
Step 4: Click on ‘Delete Browsing History’
In the Safety menu, click on ‘Delete Browsing History’.
‘Delete Browsing History’ is where you can manage what information Internet Explorer keeps.
Step 5: Select ‘Temporary Internet files and website files’
In the Delete Browsing History window, check the box next to ‘Temporary Internet files and website files’.
This is the cache that you’re looking to clear. It contains files from websites to help them load faster in the future.
Step 6: Click ‘Delete’
After selecting ‘Temporary Internet files and website files’, click on the ‘Delete’ button at the bottom of the window.
When you click ‘Delete’, Internet Explorer will start clearing the cache.
After you’ve completed these steps, your Internet Explorer 11 cache will be cleared. This means that the next time you visit a website, it may take slightly longer to load because it has to download all the files again. But don’t worry, this will only happen once, and it can help solve problems like websites not loading properly.
Tips for Clearing Cache in Internet Explorer 11
- Clear your cache regularly to keep Internet Explorer running smoothly.
- Remember, clearing your cache will log you out of most websites.
- You can also clear cookies and history at the same time if you want a full reset.
- If clearing the cache doesn’t fix your problem, try restarting your computer.
- Make sure Internet Explorer is updated to the latest version for the best performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will clearing the cache delete my bookmarks?
No, clearing the cache will not affect your bookmarks or favorites.
Can I clear the cache for just one website?
Yes, you can use the Developer Tools (press F12) to clear the cache for a specific website.
What’s the difference between cache and cookies?
Cache stores temporary files from websites, while cookies save information about your interactions with websites.
How often should I clear my cache?
It depends on your browsing habits, but doing it every few weeks can help keep your browser running smoothly.
Will clearing the cache make my browser faster?
It can help, especially if you haven’t cleared it in a long time and have lots of temporary files stored.
Summary
- Open Internet Explorer 11
- Click on the gear icon
- Go to Safety
- Click on ‘Delete Browsing History’
- Select ‘Temporary Internet files and website files’
- Click ‘Delete’
Conclusion
Clearing the cache in Internet Explorer 11 is an important step in maintaining your browser’s performance and troubleshooting common issues. Although the steps to clear the cache are simple, they can have a significant impact on your browsing experience, freeing up disk space, and ensuring that you are viewing the most up-to-date version of a website. Remember to clear your cache periodically and combine it with deleting cookies and browsing history for a fresh start.
Additionally, keeping your Internet Explorer 11 updated and understanding the difference between cache and cookies can further enhance your web browsing experience. So, the next time you encounter a website issue or notice your browser slowing down, consider clearing the cache as your first line of defense. Happy browsing!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.