Question

What should I do if I'm experiencing browser display, performance or authentication issues?

Overview

Each time you access a file through your web browser, the browser caches (stores) it. By doing this, the browser doesn't have to newly retrieve files (including any images) from the remote web site each time you click Back or Forward. You should periodically clear the cache to allow your browser to function more efficiently.

At the request of a web site, a cookie is a file created by a web browser that is then stored on a computer. These files typically store user-specific information such as selections in a form, shopping cart contents, or authentication data. Browsers will normally clear cookies that reach a certain age, but clearing them manually may solve problems with web sites or your browser.

This general information is provided as a courtesy to users who wish to clear their browser's cache and cookies. IT Express is currently unable to advice users on all possible browser versions.

Note: Clearing the cookies and cache of your browser is just one of the many steps in troubleshooting browser performance issues related to displaying page content, authentication and "speed and response" to dynamic content.

Answer

How to clear the browser cache

Google Chrome

1. Select the three dot menu at the top right of Chrome, then select Settings.
   
   
   • Alternately, open a new tab and go to chrome://settings/.
2. Scroll to the bottom and click Advanced.
3. Under Privacy and security, click Clear browsing data.
4. In the Time range drop down, select All time.
5. Check Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.
6. Click Clear data.
7. A progress wheel will appear and spin while the browser data is being deleted. When complete, the Clear browsing data window will disappear.

FireFox (Windows)

1. Select the three bar menu at the top right of Firefox, then select Options.
2. On the left, select the Privacy & Security tab.
3. Under History, click Clear History.
4. For Time range to clear select Everything.
5. Click the arrow next to  Details, then check the boxes next to all the items listed.
6. Click Clear Now.

FireFox (macOS)

1. Click on Tools.
2. Select Clear Recent History.
3. Select Everything from the Time range drop-down list.
4. Click the down arrow and check the boxes that correspond to:
   
   • Cookies
   • Cache
   • Active Logins
5. Click Clear Now.
6. Completely close and exit Firefox.

Microsoft Edge

1. Click the Menu icon   at the top-right corner of the screen, then click Settings.
2. Click on Privacy, search, and services from the list of options on the left-hand side under Settings.
3. Scroll down to Clear browsing data and click Choose what to clear.
4. Change the Time range at the top to All Time and check the boxes next to Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files. Then, click Clear now.

Safari (macOS)

1. Open Safari.
2. Click on Safari in menu bar at top of screen.
3. Click on Settings/Preferences (depending on the version of macOS you are running).
4. Click on the Advanced tab.
5. Check the box beside Show Develop Menu in Menu Bar.
6. Now there will be a new Develop tab in the menu at the top of your screen. Click on this.
7. Click on Empty Caches.