How To Clear The Cache In Java

You can clear the Java cache on your computer to fix issues with web browsing, and possibly help your computer run faster.
To clear the Java cache, open the Java control panel, which you can find in the Windows Control Panel or in System Preferences on a Mac.
You can also try deleting the temporary internet files stored on your computer.
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Java is a programming language that helps many websites run correctly. When you visit a site that uses Java, it stores some data in a cache on your computer, which helps these sites run faster.

If you're having issues with Java on your Mac or PC, you can clear its cache, which forces it to reload its data. This can clear up bugs and other unusual behavior.

It's worth pointing out, however, that few popular programs or websites rely on Java anymore, and Java is considered by some to be a significant security risk. If you don't have a specific need for Java, you should consider uninstalling it.

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How to clear the Java cache in Windows

1. Click the Start button and then type "Control Panel." Click the Control Panel when it appears in the Start menu.

2. In the Control panel, click "Programs."

Open the Programs section of the Control Panel to find Java.

3. Click "Java." The Java Control panel should appear. If you don't see this option, it means you don't have Java installed.

4. In the "General" tab, in the "Temporary Internet Files" section, click "Settings…"

Java's cache is controlled from the Temporary Files Settings dialog box.

5. Click "Delete Files…"

6. In the "Delete Files and Applications" dialog box, make sure the first two options are selected and then click "OK."

How to clear the Java cache on a Mac

1. Click the Apple icon in the top-left and then click "System Preferences..."

2. Click "Java." If you don't see this option, it means you don't have Java installed.

Open Java in the System Preferences app.

3. In the General tab, in the "Temporary Internet Files" section, click "Settings…"

Click "Settings…" and then delete the temporary internet files.

4. Click "Delete Files…"

5. In the "Delete Files and Applications" dialog box, make sure the first two options are selected and then click "OK."

Related coverage from Tech Reference:

How to check which version of Java you have installed in Windows 10, in 2 steps
How to check the Java version on your Mac computer using System Preferences or the Java website
How to clear your Facebook app's cache on an iPhone to help the app run more efficiently
How to clear the cache on your Chromebook to keep your computer running smoothly
How to clear the cache on your iPad to make it run more efficiently

Dave Johnson

Freelance Writer

Dave Johnson is a technology journalist who writes about consumer tech and how the industry is transforming the speculative world of science fiction into modern-day real life. Dave grew up in New Jersey before entering the Air Force to operate satellites, teach space operations, and do space launch planning. He then spent eight years as a content lead on the Windows team at Microsoft. As a photographer, Dave has photographed wolves in their natural environment; he's also a scuba instructor and co-host of several podcasts. Dave is the author of more than two dozen books and has contributed to many sites and publications including CNET, Forbes, PC World, How To Geek, and Insider.