On occasion, such as searching for a company by name and not being able to locate it, the fix might be to reset your browser. What resetting your browser does is it clears temporary files and returns you to the browser's default settings. This not only helps restore optimal performance, but also gives you a fresh base from which to restart and helps identify/eliminate other errors. As we explain below, there are two types of reset: soft reset and hard reset. 

What's covered in this article

This article contains the following (plus quick links to the relevant sections):

• What's the Difference Between a Soft Reset and a Hard Reset?

• Google Chrome

• Mozilla Firefox

• Microsoft Edge

• Safari (Mac)

• Quick Tips for Best Results

• Need Additional Help?

What's the Difference between a Soft Reset and a Hard Reset?

Soft Reset (Clear Cache & Cookies)

• Removes temporary files and browsing data

• Keeps your bookmarks, saved passwords, and settings

• Great for improving performance and resolving display issues

• Takes just a few seconds

Hard Reset (Full Browser Reset)

• Returns browser to original settings

• Removes extensions, themes, and customizations

• Gives you a completely fresh start

• Your bookmarks and passwords can usually be preserved if signed in.

- Back to Top -

Google Chrome

Soft Reset - Clear Cache & Cookies

1. Click the three dots menu (top-right corner)

2. Select Settings

3. Click Privacy and security in the left sidebar

4. Select Clear browsing data

5. Choose your time range (we recommend "All time" for a complete refresh)

6. Check the boxes for:

   • Browsing history

   • Cookies and other site data

   • Cached images and files

7. Click Clear data

Quick shortcut: Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + Delete (Mac) to jump straight to the clear browsing data screen.

Hard Reset - Restore Default Settings

1. Click the three dots menu (top-right corner)

2. Select Settings

3. Click Reset settings in the left sidebar

4. Select Restore settings to their original defaults

5. Click Reset settings to confirm

Your bookmarks and saved passwords will be preserved if you're signed into Chrome.

Back to Top -

Mozilla Firefox

Soft Reset - Clear Cache & Cookies

1. Click the three horizontal lines menu (top-right corner)

2. Select Settings

3. Click Privacy & Security in the left sidebar

4. Scroll to Cookies and Site Data

5. Click Clear Data

6. Check both boxes:

   • Cookies and Site Data

   • Cached Web Content

7. Click Clear

Quick shortcut: Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + Delete (Mac).

Hard Reset - Refresh Firefox

Firefox offers a helpful "Refresh" feature that gives you a fresh start while keeping your essential information.

1. Click the three horizontal lines menu (top-right corner)

2. Select Help

3. Choose More troubleshooting information

4. Click Refresh Firefox button

5. Confirm by clicking Refresh Firefox again

This preserves your bookmarks, passwords, and open tabs while removing extensions and custom settings.

- Back to Top -

Microsoft Edge

Soft Reset - Clear Cache & Cookies

1. Click the three dots menu (top-right corner)

2. Select Settings

3. Click Privacy, search, and services in the left sidebar

4. Under Clear browsing data, click Choose what to clear

5. Select your time range (recommend "All time")

6. Check the boxes for:

   • Browsing history

   • Cookies and other site data

   • Cached images and files

7. Click Clear now

Quick shortcut: Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + Delete (Mac).

Hard Reset - Restore Default Settings

1. Click the three dots menu (top-right corner)

2. Select Settings

3. Click Reset settings in the left sidebar

4. Select Restore settings to their default values

5. Review what will be reset

6. Click Reset to confirm

- Back to Top -

Safari (Mac)

Soft Reset - Clear Cache & Cookies

1. Open Safari

2. In the menu bar, click Safari → Settings

3. Go to the Privacy tab

4. Click Manage Website Data

5. Click Remove All

6. Confirm by clicking Remove Now

To clear cache specifically:

1. In the menu bar, click Safari → Settings

2. Go to the Advanced tab

3. Check Show Develop menu in menu bar

4. Click Develop in the menu bar → Empty Caches

Hard Reset - Reset Safari

1. In the menu bar, click Safari → Settings

2. Go through each tab and manually restore default options:

   • General: Reset homepage and default search engine

   • Privacy: Remove website data

   • Extensions: Disable or remove extensions

   • Advanced: Uncheck custom settings

For a complete reset, you can also:

1. Quit Safari completely

2. Open Finder

3. Hold Option and click Go in the menu bar

4. Select Library

5. Locate and move these folders to Trash:

   • ~/Library/Safari

   • ~/Library/Caches/com.apple.Safari

6. Empty Trash and restart Safari

- Back to Top -

Quick Tips for Best Results

Before You Reset:

• Make sure you're signed into your browser to preserve bookmarks and passwords

• Write down any important settings or extensions you want to reinstall

• Export bookmarks as a backup if you want extra security

After You Reset:

• Your browser will feel faster and more responsive

• Sign back in to sync your saved data

• Reinstall only the extensions you actually use

• Enjoy your refreshed browsing experience

When to Reset:

• Your browser feels slow or unresponsive

• Websites aren't displaying correctly

• You want to clear accumulated temporary files

• You're starting fresh or troubleshooting performance

- Back to Top -

Need Additional Help?

If you're still experiencing difficulties after resetting your browser, consider:

• Updating your browser to the latest version

• Checking for operating system updates

• Reviewing your internet connection

• Reaching out to your IT support team

Resetting your browser is a simple, effective way to maintain optimal performance and ensure you're getting the best browsing experience possible.

- Back to Top -