Cookies are small files websites store in your browser to keep you signed in and remember settings. Clearing them can fix sites that won’t load or sign in, remove tracking data, and give you a fresh start on a shared PC. On Windows 10 (and 11), cookies belong to each browser, so you clear them in Microsoft Edge, Chrome, or Firefox separately. This guide covers all three, deleting cookies for one site only, clearing cookies automatically, and what to expect afterward.
Quick Answer
In any major browser on Windows, press Ctrl + Shift + Delete to open the clear-data window. Choose a Time range (such as All time), check Cookies and other site data, uncheck anything you want to keep, and click Clear now (or Delete data).
What Happens When You Delete Cookies
- You’re signed out of most websites.
- Site preferences, like language or dark mode, may reset.
- Shopping carts on some sites empty.
- Saved passwords are not deleted unless you also check Passwords.
Microsoft Edge
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete, or go to ⋯ > Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Clear browsing data > Choose what to clear.
- Pick a Time range.
- Check Cookies and other site data, and optionally Cached images and files.
- Click Clear now.
Google Chrome
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete, or go to ⋮ > Settings > Privacy and security > Delete browsing data.
- Choose a Time range.
- Check Cookies and other site data.
- Click Delete data.
Mozilla Firefox
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete, or go to ☰ > Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data > Clear Data.
- Check Cookies and site data and choose the time range.
- Click Clear.
Delete Cookies for One Website Only
| Browser | How |
|---|---|
| Any browser (quickest) | On the site, click the icon to the left of the address, then Cookies and site data (or Site settings) and remove the data |
| Edge | Go to edge://settings/content/cookies/siteData, search for the site, and click the trash icon |
| Chrome | Settings > Privacy and security > Third-party cookies > See all site data and permissions, then delete the site |
| Firefox | Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data > Manage Data |
Clear Cookies Automatically When You Close the Browser
- Edge: Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Clear browsing data on close, then turn on Cookies and other site data.
- Chrome: Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings > Additional content settings > On-device site data, then choose to delete data when you close all windows.
- Firefox: check Delete cookies and site data when Firefox is closed.
Private windows (Ctrl + Shift + N in Edge and Chrome, Ctrl + Shift + P in Firefox) never keep cookies after you close them.
Troubleshooting
A site still misbehaves after clearing cookies
Also clear Cached images and files, then restart the browser. Disable extensions temporarily to rule them out.
Cookies come back immediately
That’s normal. Sites set new cookies when you visit them again. Use the clear-on-close setting if you want them removed regularly.
The clear option is greyed out
Work PCs may enforce browser policies. Check with your IT department.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Windows store cookies outside the browser?
Modern browsers keep cookies in their own profile folders. Clear them from the browser, not by deleting files manually.
Should I delete cookies regularly?
Only if you want to limit tracking or fix problems. Deleting them often means signing in again frequently.
Summary
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete in your browser.
- Choose a time range and check Cookies and other site data.
- Click Clear now or Delete data.
- Remove cookies for single sites from the address bar icon, or set cookies to clear on close.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.