You can do it if you want to (and we’ll show you how, below), but it’s not something we recommend. Indeed, there are better ways to improve your PC’s performance. However, there may be times when you need that document in another format other than a PDF. For instance, you might use Microsoft Word and wish to edit the PDF. Originally saved as a PDF, they may prefer to view it in Word rather than Adobe’s software. Here, we’ll walk you through a few of the ways you can convert PDFs to Word documents.
What is a cache?
Clicking one of these categories will bring you to that respective tab’s settings dashboard. From here, you’ll be able to fine-tune exactly how Onyx goes about sweeping up digital debris. With Firefox on mobile, the menu button is the three dots up in the top right corner (Android) or the three lines in the bottom right corner (iOS). Tap this button and Settings, then Delete browsing data (Android) or Data Management (iOS) to clear the cache. They don’t store your information and other preferences — those are deleted when your browsing session ends. The length of the list that pops up will depend on how long you’ve been using your browser at the default cookie setting of Allow local data to be set.
Safari on your iOS device
There are also options for clearing your browser history and removing cached images and files. The next tab shows you how much data is stored in the cache, which here is referred to as Cached Web Content. Make sure this checkbox is selected, then click Clear to wipe everything currently in the cache.
Clear Cache in Firefox Shortcut
- You can also click the Advanced tab for additional features like clearing your download history, passwords, other sign-in data, autofill form data, site settings, and hosted app data.
- There are also options for clearing your browser history and removing cached images and files.
- However, there may be times when you need that document in another format other than a PDF.
- Still though, if you’ve ever wanted to use the same external hard drive with both Windows and MacOS, you know how big of a burden this process can be.
- If you’re using Edge on Android or iOS, tap the three horizontal lines in the bottom right corner, then Settings, then Privacy and security, and Clear browsing data.
Browser cache speeds up the amount of time it takes to load web pages by storing their data, like text and images. This prevents your browser from downloading this data each time you open a page on the same website. To learn more about managing site data in Firefox, see Manage local site storage settings and Enhanced Cookie Clearing. In my opinion, the default settings across all browsers are just fine. Without some method of remembering who you are, you’d need to log in over and over for each different page on the site you wanted to see.
In Chrome on the desktop, click the three dots (top right), then Settings. Open up the Privacy and security tab, click Clear browsing data, and then select Cached images and files under the Basic tab. Make sure the option for Cached images and files is checked on the next dialog, and choose the time range you want covered in the drop-down menu (from Last hour to All time). It’s a similar process if you’re using Chrome for Android or iOS. Tap the three dots (top right on Android, bottom right on iOS), then Settings and Privacy and security. Choose Clear browsing data to find the Cached images and files option.
They’re as fast as the best SSDs, but you can connect them to your computer using a USB cable. While using a Windows PC over a MacOS system (or vice versa) was once fairly limited in terms of crossover, such towering walls no longer exist. Still though, if you’ve ever wanted to use the same external hard drive with both Windows and MacOS, you know how big of a burden this process can be.
You’d be faced with a never-ending series of login screens between content pages. For all these reasons, you might want to regularly clear out cached pages. Clearing the cache effectively resets the browser’s relationship to the webpage, and it can often fix problems with a site. I strive to explain topics that you might come across in the news but not fully understand, such as NFTs and meme stocks. I’ve had the pleasure of talking tech with Jeff Goldblum, Ang Lee, and other celebrities who have brought a different perspective to it. I put great care into writing gift guides and am always touched by the notes I get from people who’ve used them to choose presents that have been well-received.
This paid version is a great way to automate cleaning by setting times for your computer to conduct a deep cleaning. It also notifies you constantly of any cyber threats or privacy breaches as they are happening. These paid features are worth the investment because they add steadfast protection for your home or office, ensuring your privacy for all types of activity. In some cases, this info can be used to track your activity as you browse sites. As a privacy feature, you can decide when to allow embedded content to access your data for sites you trust.
That’s why some websites can sign you in when you return if you have an account — it speeds up the login process. Websites want to offer users a quick, efficient, and seamless experience, and they can only achieve this by saving your information. This means that your data and online privacy are somewhat compromised. Some websites have the ability to store information, such as files, in your local storage, and these files can only be removed manually by you…. Users have other options if they’re looking for a deep clean. CCleaner offers a Pro version of its software for just $30 a year.
If Edge is your browser of choice, on the desktop you click the three dots (top right), then Settings, and then open up the Privacy, search, and services tab. The drop-down menu up at the top lets you choose the time range for the cache clear out—anything from the last hour to all time. (You’ll be shown how much data is in the cache in each case.) When you’re ready, click Clear data to confirm the action. What’s more, discrepancies between cached content and what’s actually on the internet can also cause all kinds of weird bugs, like pages not loading properly or web apps not functioning.
If you’re using Edge on Android or iOS, tap the three horizontal lines in the bottom right corner, then Settings, then Privacy and security, and Clear browsing data. You’ll see the Cached should i delete cookies images and files checkbox on the next screen. The Firefox cache temporarily stores images, scripts, and other parts of websites you visit in order to speed up your browsing experience.