How to Clear Cookies in Windows

Tahneet Kanwal

Posted On: December 20, 2024

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Read time8 Min Read

Cache helps websites load faster by storing temporary files, while cookies remember your preferences and login details. However, over time, these files can slow down your browser, display outdated pages, or raise privacy concerns.

Knowing how to clear cookies in Windows and regularly maintaining them helps improve browser performance, ensures you’re viewing the latest content, and keeps your personal information secure.

Steps to Clear Cookies in Windows on Chrome

Below are the steps to clear cookies in Windows on Chrome :

  1. Open Chrome and click on the three-dots menu in the upper-right corner. Then, select Settings.

    teps to clear cookies in Windows on Chrome

  2. Scroll down to Privacy and security and click on Delete browsing data.

    Privacy and security and click on Delete browsing data

  3. Choose the desired time frame for clearing data. Make sure to check the box for Cookies and other site data, along with any other data you wish to remove.

    Cookies and other site data

  4. Click Delete data to remove the selected items.

Steps to Clear Cookies in Windows on Firefox

Below are the steps to clear cookies in Windows on Firefox :

  1. Open Firefox, click on the Hamburger menu in the upper-right corner and select Settings from the drop-down menu.

    Steps to Clear Cookies in Windows on Firefox

  2. Go to Privacy & Security on the left panel. Then, click on Cookies and Site Data and then click on the Clear Data button.

    Privacy & Security on the left panel

  3. Check the boxes for Cookies and Site Data, and Temporary cached files and pages.
  4. Use the drop-down to select the Time range to clear the menu to choose the desired timeframe.

    Time range to clear the menu to choose the desired timeframe

  5. Click the Clear button to delete the data.

Steps to Clear Cookies in Windows on Microsoft Edge

Below are the steps to clear cookies in Windows on Microsoft Edge:

  1. Open Edge and click on the three dots in the upper-right corner.

    Steps to Clear Cookies in Windows on Microsoft Edge

  2. Select Settings and go to Privacy, search, and services.
  3. Under Delete browsing data, click on Choose what to clear.

    Delete browsing data, click on Choose what to clear

  4. Select the time frame from the Time range section for which you want to clear your browsing data.
  5. Make sure that Cookies and other site data, and Cached images and files are checked. You can also select other types of data.
  6. Cookies and other site data, and Cached images and files

  7. Click the Clear now button to confirm your selection.

Steps to Clear Cookies in Windows on Opera

Below are the steps to clear cookies in Windows on Opera:

  1. Open Opera and click on the O Menu in the upper-left corner.

    Steps to Clear Cookies in Windows on Opera

  2. Select Settings and navigate to the Privacy & security section.
  3. Click Clear browsing data.

    Click Clear browsing data.

  4. In the pop-up window, check the Cookies and other site data and the Cached images and files option.
  5. Select the Time range as desired from the drop-down option.

    Time range as desired from the drop-down option

  6. Click the Clear data button to clear cache and cookies on Windows in Opera.

Steps to Clear Cookies in Windows on Brave

Below are the steps to clear cookies in Windows on Brave:

  1. Click the hamburger menu in the top right corner of your browser window and select Settings from the submenu.

    Steps to Clear Cookies in Windows on Brave

  2. Alternatively, use the keyboard shortcut:
    1. Windows: Ctrl + Shift + Delete
    2. Mac: Command + Shift + Delete
  3. Scroll down to Privacy and security and click on Delete browsing data.

    Privacy and security and click on Delete browsing data.

  4. A popup window will open. Select the Cache image and files and Cookies and other site data options and any other items you would like to remove from your browser’s saved files, such as browsing history.
  5. Use the Time range to clear the menu to choose the desired timeframe.

    Time range to clear the menu to choose the desired timeframe

  6. Click the Clear data button to clear cache and cookies on Windows in Brave.

Steps to Clear Cookies in Windows on Internet Explorer

Below are the steps to clear cookies in Windows on Internet Explorer:

  1. Launch Internet Explorer.
  2. Click the gear icon (Tools) in the top right corner or press Alt + X.
  3. Select Internet options from the dropdown menu.

    Select Internet options from the dropdown menu

  4. Go to the General tab and click Delete under Browsing history.

    General tab and click Delete under Browsing history

  5. Uncheck Preserve Favorites website data and check the options for Temporary Internet Files and website files and Cookies and website data. Finally, click Delete to proceed.

    Preserve Favorites website data

  6. Once the cache and cookies are cleared, a confirmation message will display at the bottom of the screen.

    confirmation message will display at the bottom of the screen

Conclusion

Clearing cache and cookies is a simple yet effective way to enhance browser performance and safeguard your privacy. This guide on how to clear cookies in Windows for all major browsers ensures a smoother, more secure online experience. Regularly clearing cookies and cache not only speeds up your browser but also protects your personal information. Make it a habit and enjoy a faster, safer browsing experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What happens if I don’t clear my browser’s cache and cookies?

If you don’t clear your browser’s cache and cookies:

  • Websites will load faster because cached data is stored on your computer. This means previously visited pages can load more quickly.
  • Websites will remember your login information, preferences, and past activities. This can be convenient but also means less privacy.
  • Your browser will take up more storage space over time, which can slow down your computer.

What happens if I reject cookies?

If you reject cookies:

  • Websites won’t be able to track your online behavior as easily.
  • You’ll likely see less personalized ads and content.
  • You may need to manually enter information more often, as websites can’t save your settings.

Will I lose my password if I clear the cache and cookies?

No, clearing cache and cookies does not delete saved passwords. However, if you select passwords and other sign-in data in the browser’s clear data options, it will remove saved passwords.

How often should I clear cache and cookies?

The frequency depends on usage. Regular clearing (e.g., once a month) can maintain browser performance. Heavy users or those with privacy concerns may clear their cache and cookies weekly.

Will clearing cache and cookies log me out of websites?

Yes, clearing cookies logs you out of websites since session data is removed. You may need to re-enter login information for some websites.

Can I clear the cache and cookies automatically?

Most browsers have an option to clear browsing data automatically upon exit. Look for this setting in your browser’s privacy options.

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Tahneet Kanwal

Tahneet Kanwal is a software engineer with a passion for frontend development and a keen eye for user experience. With a strong foundation in web technologies, she brings a practical perspective to her writing. As a technical content writer at LambdaTest, Tahneet combines her engineering expertise with her communication skills to craft engaging, SEO-friendly articles. Her work spans various topics in web development, software testing, and emerging tech trends, keeping readers informed and inspired.

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