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      Windows Browser Maintenance

      Updated on March 14, 2025 

       

      A browser can be affected by websites that are visited. This is normal but after a period this can affect the way the browser performs. When this happens, it is recommended that this information added by websites be purged. It is also recommended that for better performance and security, the latest version of the browser be used. If you find that you are not using the latest version of your browser be sure to download the updated version from the manufacturer or a trusted, secure website.

       

      This document details how to check the version of the browser as well as deleting the browsing history and the cached files left behind by some websites. Suggestions for Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge for Windows are detailed in this document.

       

      Google Chrome Maintenance

      Firefox Maintenance

      Microsoft Edge Maintenance

       

       

      Google Chrome Maintenance

       

      Checking the version of Chrome

      Open Chrome and from the three vertical dots drag down to Help and over to About Google Chrome:

       

       

      In this example, Google Chrome is up to date:

       
       

      Deleting The Browsing History And Other Cached Files

      Open Chrome and from the three vertical dots, select Delete browsing data...:

       

      When the Delete browsing data window opens, select the Advanced tab:

       

       
      From the dropdown menu select All time:
       
      Leave the default selections checked but also check Cached images and files.  Select Delete data when complete:
       
       
       
       
       
       
       

      Firefox Maintenance

       

      Checking the version of Firefox
      Open Firefox and from the three horizontal bars drag down to Help:

       

       

      From Help, select About Firefox:

       

      If Firefox is not up to date, select Restart to Update Firefox:

       

       

      In this example, Firefox is up to date:
       
       

      Deleting The Cached Files

      Open Firefox and from the three horizontal bars locate Settings:
       
      Select Privacy & Security:
       

      Locate Cookies and Site Data and select Clear Data....

       
      Make sure both boxes are checked and select Clear:
       
       
      Deleting The Browsing History
      Open Firefox and from the three horizontal bars and select History:
       
      Select Clear recent history....
       
      Select Everything from the Time range to clear: dropdown menu.  Check all boxes in the History field.  Select Clear Now when complete:

       

       

       

       

       

       

      Microsoft Edge Maintenance

       

      Checking the version of Edge

      Open Edge and from the three horizontal dots and select Help and feedback:
       
      From Help and Feedback, select About Microsoft Edge:
       

      Microsoft Edge is up to date:

      Note: Since Edge is manufactured by Microsoft select, a check for Microsoft Updates will display an update for Edge if there is one available.

       
       
      Deleting The Browser Cache
      Open Edge and from the three horizontal dots and select History:
       
       
      Click on the three horizontal dots to open more options:
       
      Select Open history page:
       
      At the top of the screen, select Delete browsing data:
       
      A new window will open.  Select All time in the Time range field.  Leave the default settings checked.  When complete, select Clear now: