How Do I Clear Cache In Internet Explorer
In today’s increasingly complex digital environment, Australian businesses rely heavily on stable, predictable, and secure web browsing experiences to access critical systems, cloud platforms, and internal tools. While modern web browsers such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge dominate today’s landscape, many organisations with 20–250 staff still depend on Microsoft Internet Explorer—particularly Internet Explorer 10 and Internet Explorer 11—to support legacy systems, vendor portals, and internal applications.
One of the most common (and easily overlooked) causes of browser-related issues is a cluttered or corrupted browser cache. Problems such as slow page loading, incorrect web pages, login failures, connection issues, and inconsistent page loads are frequently traced back to cached data stored locally on the operating system.
This guide explains how to safely and effectively Clear Browser Cache in Internet Explorer, including clearing Browsing history, Temporary Internet Files, Cached images and files, and related website data. The goal is to help business users resolve common website issues, improve overall user experience, and reduce unnecessary IT disruptions—while also highlighting when it may be time to seek professional IT support.
What Is Browser Cache?
A Web Browser Cache (sometimes called a local cache) is a storage area on your computer where browsers save copies of website resources such as images, scripts, and page data. These cache pages allow websites to load faster during future visits, improving internet speed and reducing bandwidth usage.
In Internet Explorer, cached data may include:
- Temporary Internet Files
- Cached images and files
- website files
- Form data and Autofill form data
- Form and search history
- Cookies and Favorite website data
While caching improves performance, it can also cause problems when cached files become outdated or corrupted. This may lead to:
- Websites displaying old or incorrect information
- Failed login or registration attempt errors
- Broken layouts or missing functionality
- Persistent website issue reports from users
- Application errors in platforms such as Webex, library databases, or internal portals like CU Boulder Buff Portal
Regular Cache clearing ensures that Internet Explorer downloads fresh data directly from the website, restoring accuracy and reliability.
Why Clear the Cache in Internet Explorer?
Clearing the cache in Internet Explorer provides several benefits for business environments:
Improved Performance and Page Loading
Removing outdated Temporary Internet Files frees up storage space and allows web pages to load correctly. Faster and more consistent page loads reduce frustration and improve productivity across teams.
Resolving Website and Connection Issues
Clearing cached data can fix:
- Broken or partially loading pages
- Webex issues caused by old Webex site data
- Errors accessing vendor portals or internal systems
- Conflicts caused by ActiveX Filtering or cached scripts
Enhanced Privacy and Security
Clearing cache, cookies, and browser history improves Privacy and security, particularly on a shared or public PC. This reduces the risk of data exposure and supports better security features and security settings.
Supporting Legacy Systems
Despite its deprecation, Internet Explorer—including Internet Explorer mode within Microsoft Edge—is still required in some environments. Understanding how to manage Internet Properties and cached data helps maintain business continuity while transitioning away from legacy platforms.
Step-by-Step Guide: Clearing Cache in Internet Explorer
Method 1: Using the Keyboard Shortcut
This is the fastest method for most users.
- Open Internet Explorer.
- Press the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + Delete.
- The Delete Browsing History window will appear.
- Untick all options except:
- Temporary Internet Files
- Cached images and files
- Optional: Tick Preserve Favorites website data if you want to keep Favorites data intact.
- Click Delete.
Important: Internet Explorer does not allow time-based filtering like Clear browsing data in Chrome or Edge. All cached data is removed.
Method 2: Using Internet Options (Menu Method)
- Open Internet Explorer.
- Click the Gear Icon (also called the Hub icon) in the top-right corner.
- Select Internet Options from the Tools drop-down menu.
- Under the General tab, locate the Browsing history section.
- Click Delete…
- Select:
- Temporary Internet Files and website files
- Optional: delete cookies, Form data, or History menu items
- Choose whether to enable Preserve Favorites website data.
- Click Delete, then restart Internet Explorer.
This method gives greater control over Clear History, cookies, and stored data.
Advanced Method: Developer and Safety Tools (For IT Teams)
In some scenarios, deeper cache-related issues may require:
- Accessing Developer Tools or the Develop Menu
- Reviewing Safety menu and Safety side-menu settings
- Adjusting Tracking Protection and Content blocking
- Verifying ActiveX Filtering configuration
These steps are typically managed by IT administrators, especially in regulated or locked-down environments.
Internet Explorer vs Other Web Browsers
| Browser | Clear Cache Path | Time Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internet Explorer | Tools → Internet Options → Delete | No | Legacy only |
| Microsoft Edge | Settings → Privacy and search → Clear browsing data | Yes | Includes Internet Explorer mode |
| Google Chrome | Settings → Privacy → Delete browsing data | Yes | Modern support |
| Mozilla Firefox | Options → Privacy & Security | Yes | Advanced controls |
| Apple Safari | Preferences → Reset Safari | Yes | macOS only |
Troubleshooting and Common Issues
- Antivirus tools such as Kaspersky Security Connection can interfere with cache clearing
- Group policies may restrict Delete browsing data options
- Some errors persist due to outdated Windows XP, Windows 10, or Windows 11 compatibility layers
- Severe issues may require Windows Recovery Disks or escalation via Support Links, NeoSmart Support Forums, or vendors such as Best Buy
If cache clearing does not resolve the issue, the root cause is often deeper—such as outdated systems, unsupported browsers, or inconsistent security controls.
Conclusion
Knowing how to Clear Cache and Cookies in Internet Explorer remains an essential skill for businesses still relying on legacy systems. While cache clearing improves online experience, security, and performance, recurring browser problems are often a sign that broader IT modernisation or structured management is required.
Call to Action
If your business is still dependent on Microsoft Internet Explorer, experiencing frequent website issues, or struggling with inconsistent browser performance, Enabla Technology can help. We work with Australian organisations to stabilise legacy environments, improve internet browsing reliability, and create clear transition paths to secure, modern platforms.
Speak with Enabla Technology to reduce downtime, improve user experience, and take control of your IT environment.
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