Tech Reference

How to clear the Java cache on your Mac or PC to fix web browsing issues

Written by Dave Johnson
Businesswoman working on laptop in the office
It only takes a few moments to clear the Java cache on your computer. Guido Mieth/Getty Images
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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.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

Apple Macbook Pro (From $1,299.00 at Apple)

Acer Chromebook 15 (From $179.99 at Walmart)

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."

How to clear the Java cache 1
Open the Programs section of the Control Panel to find Java.  Dave Johnson/Business Insider

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…"

How to clear the Java cache 2
Java's cache is controlled from the Temporary Files Settings dialog box.  Dave Johnson/Business Insider

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.

How to clear the Java cache 4
Open Java in the System Preferences app.  Oracle

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

How to clear the Java cache 5
Click "Settings…" and then delete the temporary internet files.  Oracle

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."

 

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dave june
Dave Johnson
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.