How To Clear PC Cache? [Browser, Windows & Programs]

Have you ever faced a situation where your PC lags and gives you poor performance? The reason behind it is cache build-up. When the cache build-up becomes excessive, it often disrupts the performance of your PC. You should therefore learn how to clear your PC cache to prevent your PC from unnecessary issues.

Before heading forward, do read our article on how to remove malware and viruses from PC? 

Key Takeaways

• The cache is the build-up of temporary files stored by your PC to quicken the processing.
• Clearing the cache helps your PC run smoother and prevents any lags.
• You can clear your PC cache through Disk Cleanup, Command Prompt, browser settings, and more.

Why Is It Important To Clear PC Cache?

The cache is when your PC stores temporary files to process quickly when you carry out an associated task. When the cache is stored beforehand, the PC can quickly grab those files without loading and taking much time. The cache is stored in multiple places within your PC or browser. Although it seems harmless, the cache can significantly build up over time.

As it builds up, it tends to occupy space present on your drives. The lack of storage eventually leads to your PC needing more space to process the rest of the files, which causes it to lag and crawl, and sometimes crash. Frequent crashes often impose a threat of loss on your data.

Therefore, it is essential to clear your PC cache occasionally. Not only will it keep you from losing your data, but it also protects it from being misused.

How To Clear PC Cache

Your PC cache is sprawled. You will find it in different places. To clear all the PC cache, you must follow several methods to wipe it off from your PC completely. We have provided guides below to help you erase the PC cache from every possible area in which you may find it.

Windows Cache

These are files that Windows itself stores. You can clear these files by following the given steps.

1. Click on the ‘Windows’ logo + ‘R’ on your keyboard.
2. Type ‘%temp%’ in the run dialogue box.

   

3. Select all the files that you are displayed.
4. Once the files are selected, click on ‘Del.’
5. Click ‘Yes’ in the confirmation window.

Disk Cache

This is the cache stored in an app provided by Windows known as ‘Disk Cleanup.’

1. Click on the search bar on your screen’s bottom.
2. Type ‘Disk Cleanup.’
3. Once the window opens, select ‘Temporary files’ and ‘Thumbnails.’

   

4. Click on ‘Ok’ to confirm.

Also Read: How To Perform Disk Checks? [Mac, Windows & Linux]

DNS Cache

The DNS cache stores info regarding the websites you have visited. Clearing the DNS cache will help eradicate problems that may prevent a website from loading correctly.

1. Click on the search bar on the screen’s bottom.
2. Type ‘Command Prompt’ and open the application.
3. Write the command ‘ipconfig/flushdns’ and press ‘Enter.’

   

4. Once the cache is cleared, you will be displayed with the message ‘Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.’

ARP Cache

The ARP cache stores the IP and MAC addresses of the devices connected to the same network. Clearing the ARP cache can also help in solving any network-related issues.

1. Click on the search bar on the screen’s bottom.
2. Type ‘Command Prompt’ and open the application.
3. Type the command ‘arp –d’ to delete any ARP cache.

   

4. Click ‘Enter.’

Browser Cache

This is all the cache stored when browsing your search engine. This cache helps the sites open quickly. However, clearing the browser cache is one way to make your search engine give you a good performance. We have provided steps to clear the cache for some standard search engines.

Microsoft Edge

1. Open the search engine.
2. Click on the three dots located on the top right.
3. Click ‘Settings, search, and Services.’
4. Click ‘Choose what to clear’ under ‘clear browsing data.’
5. You may select browsing history, cookies and other site data, and cached images and files. Also, pick the time range of the cache you want to wipe.

   

6. Click on ‘Clear now.’

Also Read: How To Uninstall Microsoft Edge? [All Methods 2023]

Google Chrome

1. Open the search engine.
2. Click on the three dots located on the top right.
3. Click on the ‘More tools’ tab.
4. Click on the ‘Clear browsing data’ tab.

   

5. Select browsing history, cookies, and other site data, and cached images and files.
6. Click on ‘Clear data.’

   

Firefox

1. Open the search engine.
2. Click on the three lines located on the top right.
3. Click on the ‘Preferences’ tab.
4. Click ‘Clear data’ under ‘Cookies and site data.’
5. Make sure to select ‘Cached web content.’

   

6. Click on ‘Clear.’

Location Cache

1. Open the ‘Settings’ app on Windows.
2. Click on the ‘Privacy’ tab.

   

3. Click on the ‘Location’ tab.
4. Click on ‘Clear’ located under ‘location history.’

   

Microsoft Store Cache

1. Click on the ‘Windows’ logo + ‘R’ on your keyboard.
2. Type ‘WSReset.exe’ in the window.

   

3. Click on ‘Ok.’
4. A black window will appear temporarily. Once it’s gone, the cache will be cleared.

   

Conclusion

These are all the steps you need to follow to to clear PC cache. It is essential to learn the importance of clearing the cache of your PC. Clearing the PC cache will help your PC run smoothly and give you more storage space.

Your PC will not crawl or lag anymore. In addition, clearing your PC cache will help protect your private information from being exposed, protecting your privacy. Therefore, make sure to clean your cache from time to time.