How to Clear Cache on Your Computer and Speed Up Performance

If your computer starts running slow pages take forever to load or apps freeze out of nowhere you might be dealing with a buildup of cache files. Clearing cache is one of the fastest ways to speed up your computer and fix performance issues without installing anything new.

This guide explains what cache is how it affects your system and the exact steps to clear cache on both Windows PCs and macOS computers.

What Is Cache and Why Do Computers Store It?

Cache files are temporary data your computer saves to help apps and websites load faster. Examples include:

• Images saved from websites you visit often

• System files apps generate while running

• Data downloaded during software updates

Cache improves performance at first. But when those files pile up or become outdated they can:

• Slow down apps and your operating system

• Cause websites to show old layouts or load incorrectly

• Take up valuable storage space

• Trigger random errors or crashes

Clearing cache removes unnecessary files so your computer can run faster and smoother.

How to Clear Cache on Windows 10 and Windows 11

Clear Browser Cache on Windows

Browser cache is the most common source of slowdowns especially if you browse frequently.

Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge

1. Open your browser

2. Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete

3. Select Cached images and files

4. Set the time range to All time

5. Click Clear data

Mozilla Firefox

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete

2. Select Cache

3. Click OK

Helpful tip: Keep passwords and cookies selected off if you do not want to log in again.

Clear Windows Temp Files

Windows creates temporary files constantly. Removing them frees up space and reduces bugs.

1. Press Windows + R

2. Type temp and hit Enter

3. Select everything and delete

4. Repeat with %temp%

5. Optionally type prefetch and clear that folder too

Some files may be locked by the system so skip anything that cannot be removed.

Use Disk Cleanup to Remove System Cache

1. Search Disk Cleanup in the Windows Start menu

2. Choose your main drive usually C:

3. Check these boxes

   • Temporary files

   • Thumbnails

   • Recycle Bin

4. Click OK to clean

This can clear several gigabytes depending on usage.

How to Clear Cache on Mac Computers

Clear Browser Cache on macOS

Safari

1. Open Safari

2. Go to Settings then select Advanced

3. Enable Show Develop menu in menu bar

4. Choose Develop

5. Select Empty Caches

Chrome or Firefox

1. Press Command + Shift + Delete

2. Select Cached images and files

3. Click Clear data

Clear System Cache Files on macOS

1. Open Finder

2. Press Command + Shift + G

3. Enter ~/Library/Caches

4. Open each folder and delete the files inside

Repeat those steps using:

• /Library/Caches

A restart afterward helps the system rebuild healthy cache.

How Often Should You Clear Cache

Regular cleaning prevents slowdowns before they happen.

Benefits of Clearing Cache on a Computer

Clearing cache can:

• Speed up browsing and loading times

• Fix broken website layouts

• Improve game and app performance

• Reclaim storage space

• Protect your privacy by deleting saved data

This simple maintenance task keeps your PC or Mac running at its best.

Common Questions About Clearing Cache

Does clearing cache delete my files

No. Cache removal does not affect personal documents pictures software or system settings.

Will clearing cache remove saved passwords

Not unless you select the password clearing option in your browser. Most tools let you delete cache only.

Can clearing cache speed up gaming

Yes. Removing leftover files from games and launchers can reduce stuttering and improve load times.

Is clearing cache safe for beginners

Yes. It is one of the safest computer maintenance steps you can perform.

Cache is helpful while fresh. But when temporary files build up they can drag down your system. Clearing cache regularly is one of the easiest ways to speed up your computer fix web browsing issues and get back valuable storage space.