When your computer is running slowly or websites aren't displaying correctly, you might want to clear your browser's cache. However, when you open the data deletion screen in Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge, you'll find a lot of technical jargon, and many people may be unsure which option to check to delete the data.
This article provides a detailed explanation of the meaning of each item displayed on the delete screen and the consequences of deleting them.
Browsing history
Browsing history is a record of the websites you have visited in the past.
Deleting this data will prevent you from finding previously viewed pages in your browser history. Additionally, the URL suggestions that appear in the address bar based on your past browsing history will disappear.
While it won't significantly affect the resolution of any performance issues, it's recommended to delete it if you want to protect your privacy, such as when lending your PC to someone else.
Download History
This is a record of files downloaded via a web browser.
Only the "list of downloaded items" will be deleted. The actual files (images, installers, etc.) saved in your PC's download folder will not be deleted.
This is another item that is often deleted, primarily for privacy protection purposes.
Cookies and other site data
A cookie is a small piece of data that a website temporarily stores in your browser.
This is where your site login status, shopping cart contents, and site-specific display settings are stored.
Deleting this will log you out of many websites you were logged into, such as Amazon and social media. However, as an exception, the login status of the primary account you are currently signed into in your browser (such as your Google account in Chrome or your Microsoft account in Edge) will remain protected to avoid disrupting the browser's synchronization function.
For other sites, you will need to enter your ID and password again the next time you access them, so deleting them unnecessarily will be very inconvenient. Please consider deleting them only as a last resort if you cannot fix the problem with a particular site.
Cached images and files
A cache is a mechanism that temporarily stores images and HTML data from a website that you have previously viewed on your PC.
This dramatically improves loading speed by eliminating the need to redownload files from the internet the next time you open the same page. However, if old cached data remains, it can cause problems such as "old images being displayed even though the site has been updated" or "the design being broken."
If you notice that a website is displaying incorrectly, or if you want to increase the free space on your hard drive (storage), the basic and safest method is to check only this item and delete it.
Autofill form data
This includes data you've previously entered in website input forms, such as your name, address, phone number, and email address. Some browsers also include your password here.
Deleting this will disable input assistance on online shopping payment screens, requiring you to manually enter information each time. Unless there's a specific reason, it's best to leave it unchecked.
Site settings (Chrome only)
This is a record of the settings you have individually allowed for each website.
For example, this includes settings such as "Allow location access," "Allow camera and microphone use," and "Block pop-ups." If you delete them, the "Do you allow this?" confirmation screen that often appears when you first visit each site will reappear.
Hosted app data (Chrome only)
This includes local data stored by extensions added from the Chrome Web Store and Chrome apps that work offline.
Deleting this may reset the data of any extensions you have configured. Generally, there is no need to delete it.
Site access permissions (Edge only)
This is a record of the settings you have individually allowed or blocked for each website.
For example, this includes settings such as "Get current location," "Use camera and microphone," "Show pop-ups," and "Send notifications." These items serve almost the same purpose as the "Site settings" in Chrome that I explained earlier.
Deleting this will reset all previously set access permissions for each site. Therefore, if you access a web conferencing site, a map site, etc. after deletion, the confirmation screen that often appears on the first visit, such as "Do you want to allow microphone use?", will reappear.
Since it doesn't significantly affect browser troubleshooting, you can generally leave it unchecked. However, if you've accidentally allowed notifications from many sites, it's useful to remove it to reset those settings all at once.
All data from previous versions of Microsoft Edge (Edge only)
This data was saved by an older version of Edge (legacy Edge) that was previously included, rather than the Chromium-based Edge that is currently the mainstream.
This will only appear if you have a history or settings remaining from when you were using an older version of Edge. This data is no longer needed, so you can delete it if you want to free up storage space.
Media Foundation Data (Edge only)
This refers to license data, certificates, and other information necessary for playing copyrighted content on video streaming services (such as Netflix).
Deleting this may resolve playback errors on some video websites. However, it may take a little longer to start playback the next time, as the license will be reacquired. This will not affect normal web browsing.
Correct deletion methods based on purpose
If you're overwhelmed by the number of options, please use the following criteria to make your decision.
- If a website is displaying incorrectly, check only "Cached images and files" and delete them.
- When you finish working on a shared PC, check the boxes for "Browsing History," "Download History," and "Cookies and Other Site Data" and delete them.
- If your browser is generally not working properly, delete both "Cookies and other site data" and "Cached images and files." (Note that you will need to log in again to all websites.)
By using these settings appropriately, you can keep your browser running smoothly.
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