Context
Cookies are small files downloaded to your computer when visiting a website. They can retain information regarding a user's previous activity on that site and preferences to allow for quick retrieval when revisiting the site.
What is a Browser Cache?
When you access files through the web, the browser cache allows browsers to retain website data to enable faster viewing on future visits. By retaining a local copy of some website data, a browser can load some information from pages you have previously visited without downloading that data again, thus enabling faster load times.
We recommend the following for instructions to clear your browser's cache and cookies. If you need additional assistance clearing your cache and cookies, contact the Help Desk.
Clearing Cache and Cookies
Google Chrome (Windows and Mac)
- On your computer, open Chrome.
- At the top right, click the three dots icon (...).
- Click More tools and select Clear browsing data.

- At the top, choose a time range. To delete everything, select All time.

- Check the boxes next to "Cookies and other site data" and "Cached images and files".
- Click Clear data.

Mozilla Firefox (Windows and Mac)

- Select Clear recent history.

- Select the time range of history you want to clear.

- Use the check-boxes to choose what information you want to remove from your history. Click OK to continue.

Microsoft Edge (Windows and Mac)

- Click on Privacy, search, and services.

- Under "Clear browsing data", select Choose what to clear.
- Choose a time range from the Time range drop-down menu.

- Choose the types of data you want to clear.
- Select Clear Now.

Safari (Mac)
- On your Mac's Safari app, choose History > Clear history, then click the pop-up menu.
- Choose how far back you want your browsing history cleared.
Internet Explorer (Windows)
- Select Tools icon > Safety >Delete browsing history.

- Choose the types of data you want to clear.
- Click Delete.

Quick Keyboard Commands
- Windows – Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, & Microsoft Edge: Control + Shift + Delete will bring up the settings panel for clearing your browser's cache.
- Mac OSX – Chrome & Firefox: Command + Shift + Delete will bring up the settings panel for clearing your browser's cache.
- Mac OSX – Safari: Command + Option + E will immediately clear your browser's cache without bringing up a settings panel.