Internet Explorer 9, 10, and 11 (Windows) - Clearing Cache and Cookies

This document explains how to clear the cache and cookies in Internet Explorer 9, 10 and 11.
  1. Select Tools (via the Gear Icon) > Safety > Delete browsing history....

    NOTE: You can also access this menu by holding Ctrl + Shift + Delete.

    Tools, Safety, Delete browsing history are selected from the tools menu in the top right.

  2. Make sure to uncheck Preserve Favorites website data and check both Temporary Internet Files and Cookies then click Delete.

    Uncheck Preserve Favorites website data; Check both Temporary Internet Files and Cookies; > Delete

  3. You will get a confirmation at the bottom of the window once it has successfully cleared your cache and cookies.

    Confirmation message is displayed: Internet Explorer has finished deleting the selected browsing history.

Further Troubleshooting

The above procedure for clearing cache and cookies should work for the majority of websites, but certain website and applications such as WiscMail require a more thorough procedure. If you are still having issues, try to steps below.

Note: The F12 developer tools in Internet Explorer 11 do not include a cache menu. This process will only work for IE10 or lower.

  1. Close out of Internet Options. Click on Tools and select Developer Tools.

    In the top right gear menu, F12 developer tools is highlighted (7th option).

  2. In the Developer Tools window, click on Cache and select Clear Browser Cache...

    Under the Cache tab (the 6th option), select the 2nd option Clear browser cache.

  3. Click Yes to confirm the clearing of the browser cache.

    Yes button is in the bottom right of the confirmation tab.

See Also


Keywords:
internet explorer 9 ie ie9 clear clearing remove removing cache cookies reset ie10 10 ie11 11 Fix Fixing 
Doc ID:
15141
Owned by:
Help Desk KB Team in DoIT Help Desk
Created:
2010-09-26
Updated:
2026-07-20
Sites:
DoIT Help Desk, Fox Valley Technical College, Michigan State University Demo, NDSU IT Knowledge Base, University of Illinois Engineering IT, University of Illinois School of Chemical Sciences, University of Illinois System, University of Illinois Technology Services, University of Maryland Engineering IT, UW Stout, UW System Administration DLE