Before knowing how to clear cache in Google Chrome, let’s understand what is browser cache and why we clearing it from time to time is needed?
The basic function of a browser is to connect to the website’s server, download the internet files and display them to the users. Browser cache is a temporary internet files folder. It stores web pages, images, CSS, audio, video and other downloaded content for faster display of webpages the next time you visit those websites.
Why clearing cache of a browser is important
- Since cache is a folder stored inside computer, huge collection of such files may run you out of disk space and slow down your computer.
- Your browser shows up older page content and ignores fresh content from the website.
- The information stored in browser cache is sometimes incomplete or corrupt.
How to clear cache in Chrome (for Windows and Linux users)
If you are new to Google Chrome, then clearing cache could be a bit tricky. Here are the steps you need to follow.
At the top right of your browser, click on tools button. Now click on options.
Go to Personal Stuff tab, under Browsing data click on Clear browsing data.
Check “Empty the cache” option. From “Clear data from this period” menu, select the amount of data you want to delete.
For Mac users
- On menu bar go to Chrome > Clear Browsing Data.
- Follow the above mentioned step.
So that was how you clear cache in chrome. This is one of the system maintenance exercises and it is recommended that you do it once a while. It helps to free up space and increase system’s performance (though webpages might load a bit slow initially).
Update: Chrome recently updated to 4.1.249.1042 version in which you can find “Clear browsing data” option under the tab called “under the hood”. Thanks to our reader Jim Ward.
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