If you have owned a computer for any length of time you likely have experienced the dread of internet slow down. If it gets bad enough that you need to reach out for technical support one of the first things that they will tell you to try is to clear your browser cache. But what does clearing your cache even do? Why does it help?

What is Your Browser Cache?

Your cache is the name for a portion of your hard drive that is dedicated to storing browser files that your browser determines it may need to use again. Web pages are packed with information, and this information is stored in dozens, hundreds and sometimes thousands of files for just one site. Your browser will cache portions of the page for you so in future visits load times are quicker, improving your overall internet experience.

Why Should I Clear my Cache?

Your browser will store things like files, CSS styles, JavaScript scripts, images, and other multimedia content. That is why when you’re working with a web development firm and request updates like font changes (color/size) we request you clear your cache frequently to see these changes in real-time. 

When changes are made to your website like updating a logo, changing a picture, increasing font or changing colors, you may run into trouble with your browser's cache. Occasionally your browser will load your cached info instead of updated portions of the page that you are desiring to view. This can result in a slow down, image errors or not seeing the same thing your web development firm is telling you.

For this reason, if you are working with web pages and making changes to the site. It is important to clear your cache so you are able to see the changes as they will appear to anyone viewing the page for the first time.

What Does Clearing my Cache Do?

Clearing your cache exactly what it sounds like. You are deleting all saved information from your local hard drive that has been stored in the cache. When you return to internet websites that you have been to in the past your browser will “think” you have never been to that page before and cache fresh updates info from the websites. 

How Often Should I Clear my Cache?

If you regularly work with web pages and make changes other than simple blogging you should clear your cache regularly. Ensuring that you will be able to see any changes that have been made to your site as they are made.

If you do not make many webpage alterations or want to see web alterations in real-time you might be better off only clearing your cache once a month or bi monthly.

How do I clear my cache?

Clearing your cache is different for every browser. Please see our instructions below for your specific browser:

Clearing cache in Chrome

1. In the browser bar, enter: chrome://settings/clearBrowserData
2. Select the following:
   • Cookies and other site and plug-in data
   • Cached images and files
     
     From the Obliterate the following items from drop-down menu, you can choose the period of time for which you want to clear cached information. To clear your entire cache, select the beginning of time.
      
3. Click Clear browsing data.
4. Exit/quit all browser windows and re-open the browser.

Clearing Cache in Firefox

1. From the History menu, select Clear Recent History.
   
   If the menu bar is hidden, press Alt to make it visible.
    
2. From the Time range to clear: drop-down menu, select the desired range; to clear your entire cache, select Everything.
3. Next to "Details", click the down arrow to choose which elements of the history to clear; to clear your entire cache, select all items.
4. Click Clear Now.
5. Exit/quit all browser windows and re-open the browser.

Clearing Cache in Microsoft Edge

1. In the top right, click the Hub icon (looks like three horizontal lines).
2. Click the History icon, and then select Clear all history.
3. Select Cookies and saved website data, and then Cached data and files. Click Clear.
4. After the "All Clear!" message appears, exit/quit all browser windows and re-open the browser.

Clearing cache in Safari

1. Choose History from the menu bar
2. Clear History
3. Click the pop-up menu > Then choose how far back you want your browsing history cleared

If you are still experiencing issues seeing reported changes from Virteom -- please email our customer service desk for immediate assistance.