Clearing temporary Internet files

How to delete your browsing history by clearing temporary internet files.

Document 7013  |  Last updated:  07/14/2021 MJY

Whenever something Internet‑related isn't working as expected, the first thing to try is clearing your temporary Internet files and cookies. Depending on which Internet browser you use, the process for clearing these files varies. Click a tab below to view step‑by‑step instructions on clearing your Temporary Internet Files and Cookies.

Click a panel below to view step‑by‑step instructions for your browser.

Clearing your web browser's cookies will log you out of any websites you're currently logged in to.

 Google Chrome

  1. With Chrome open, press Ctrl + Shift + Del.

  2. A new tab opens displaying the Clear Browsing Data dialog.
  3. In the Obliterate the following items from drop‑down, choose the beginning of time, mark the options for "Empty the Cache" and Delete cookies and other site and plug‑in data. Unmark everything else.

  4. Click Clear browsing data. When it's complete, close Chrome, reopen it, and try what you were doing again.

 Microsoft Edge

  1. With Microsoft Edge open, press Ctrl + Shift + Del.

  2. Place a check next to Cookies and saved website data and Cached data and files.

  3. Click Clear. When it's finished, close out of Microsoft Edge completely, reopen it, and try again.
    Clearing the temporary internet files in Microsoft Edge also removes any websites added to the Compatibility View settings. If you need to re‑add any a la mode websites back to your Compatibility View settings, click here.

 Apple Safari

  1. Click Safari in the Menu Bar and choose Preferences…

  2. Choose the Advanced tab.
  3. Enable the Show Develop menu in the menu bar.
  4. Now go to Develop in the menu bar.
  5. Choose Empty caches.

 Mozilla Firefox

  1. With Firefox open, press Ctrl + Shift + Del to open the Clear All History dialog.

  2. In the Time range to clear drop‑down, choose Everything.
  3. Check the boxes labeled Cookies and Cache. Uncheck everything else.

  4. Click Clear Now. When it's finished, close and reopen Firefox, and try what you were doing again.

 Internet Explorer

  1. With Internet Explorer open, press Ctrl + Shift + Del.

  2. Unmark the option for Preserve Favorites website data and mark the options for Temporary Internet files and Cookies.

  3. Click Delete. When finished, close out of Internet Explorer completely, then reopen it and try again.
    Clearing the temporary internet files in Internet Explorer also removes any websites added to the Compatibility View settings. If you need to re-add any a la mode websites back to your Compatibility View settings, click here.

If none of the above steps resolve your issue, the final option it to reset your browser. Resetting your browser reverts all of the settings back to their defaults. Resetting the browser can potentially cause loss of information if not done properly. If you're not sure what to do, or if you're uncomfortable with changing these settings, contact your local technician for assistance.

Microsoft Edge does not have an option to reset the browser. If you are still having issues after trying the above steps please call tech support.

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