How to Clear Your Browser Cache

What is this?

Information on how to clear your Internet browser's cache. Instructions are included for Chrome, Firefox and Microsoft Edge.

It is a good idea to clear your browser cache because it:

  • prevents you from using old forms
  • protects your personal information
  • helps applications connect and run correctly on your computer

When you visit a website, your browser stores:

  • information (such as the location of the site you visited)
  • files used to run an application
  • downloads (such as old versions of forms)
  • Cookies - small text files with pieces of site specific data - like a username and password - that are used to identify your computer as you use a network and improve browsing experience.

When an application is updated, your browser may still try to use old cookies / files. If you don’t clear your cache, you may see old forms / incorrect display or access problems.

Instructions

Chrome

  • Close all the programs you have open on your device
  • Close all open Chrome browser windows
  • Open Chrome
  • Click the Three Dots or the Arrow pointing up symbol at the top right hand of screen

                

  • Click Settings
  • Under Privacy and Security, click Clear browsing data
    • Make sure you are on the Advanced tab
    • Select the option Time range = All time at the top
    • Ensure boxes for Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files is checked
    • Click Clear Data
  • Close all of your browser windows after clearing your cache

 

Firefox

  • Close all the programs you have open on your device
  • Close all open Firefox browser windows
  • Open Firefox
  • Click the list symbol at the top right hand of screen

  • Click Settings
  • Click Privacy and Security, the Lock icon on the left
  • Scroll to Cookies and Site Data
    • Under Cookies and Site Data, click the Clear Data... button
    • In the dialog box, confirm Cookies and Site Data and Cached Web Content are selected
    • Click Clear
    • Confirm by clicking Clear Now
  • Close your browser window after clearing your cache.

 

Microsoft Edge

  • Close all the programs you have open on your device
  • Close all open Edge browser windows
  • Open Edge
  • Click the three dots symbol at the top right hand of screen

  • Select Settings from the menu
  • Click Privacy, search and services
  • Scroll down to Clear Browsing Data
    • Click Choose what to Clear
    • Make Time range = All Time
    • Check the boxes Cookies and other site data, and Cached images and files
    • Click Clear
  • Close your browser window after clearing your cache

 

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