Body
Overview
What exactly is the cache?
Your browser's cache is a collection of web pages stored on your hard drive or in your phone/tablet storage. The cache includes the text, images, and most other media contained on web pages that you have visited. Having a local copy of a web page makes for quick loading on your next visit because your computer or mobile device doesn't have to download it from the Internet again. Over time, however, the cache may take up a big chunk of your computer's storage.
Why clear the cache?
Clearing the cache from a web browser is an important first step for troubleshooting an issue related to an Internet Browser. The cache is a tool used by your Internet Browser to speed up the web page loading process. However, sometimes it can cause a problem web websites are updated and developed as files saved in the cache may conflict with what is actually coded into the website. Clearing the cache is a way we can be sure that any issues you may come across are actually something wrong with the website, rather than inconsistencies in the browser cache.
You do not have to clear the cache as a regular part of computer or cell phone maintenance, however there are some good reasons to clear the cache:
- Clearing your cache forces your browser to retrieve the newest copy available from the website. This should happen automatically but sometimes it does not.
- You are experiencing issues such as 404 errors that may indicate your browser's cache needs to be cleared.
- Malware can be stored in the cache without you knowing or alongside program installations, so clearing the entire cache can delete malicious files.
- Over time, the cache can grow to a large size, so clearing it can free up space.
Issue
A website is not reacting in the way you would expect it to.
Instructions
Keyboard Shortcuts
If you are using Internet Explorer, please stop using it.
If you are using Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox, you can press Ctrl + Alt + Del at the same time on the keyboard to open the appropriate window.
Google Chrome
Select 'Advanced', change the 'Time range' to 'All time', ensure only 'Cached images and files' is selected, click 'Delete data', then close your browser and re-open it.
Microsoft Edge
Change the 'Time range' to 'All time', ensure only 'Cached images and files' is selected, click 'Clear now', then close your browser and re-open it.
Mozilla Firefox
Change the 'When' selection to 'Everything', ensure only 'Temporary cached file and pages' is selected, click 'Clear', then close your browser and re-open it.
Safari
https://support.apple.com/en-us/105082
Additional Information
Need additional information or assistance?
Students - Contact the MyWCC Helpdesk at 914-606-5600 or MyWCCHelpdesk@sunywcc.edu
Employees - Contact the WCC IT Helpdesk at 914-606-6665 or Helpdesk@sunywcc.edu