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Temporary Internet files are usually cached webpage content: copies of items such as images that a browser stores on your device so a page can open faster when you visit again. They are different from cookies, browsing history, and the files you download.
What are temporary Internet files?
The phrase generally refers to a browser cache: locally stored pieces of websites that may be reused on a later visit. Google explains that browsers keep parts of pages, such as images, to help those pages open faster: Google Account Help.
Google AdSense Help describes browser cache as “a temporary record of your Internet activity (including images, sounds and downloads) that is stored within a file on your computer for a short while.” In current Chrome controls, the corresponding category is labeled “Cached images and files”: Google AdSense Help and Google Chrome Help.
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Browsers present these as separate categories because each holds or affects different information. Chrome’s deletion controls distinguish cached files, cookies and other site data, browsing history, and additional data types.
| Category | What it is or does | What deletion affects |
|---|---|---|
| Cache / cached images and files | Page elements retained locally to help websites open faster on a later visit. | Removes cached page content; it does not by itself mean cookies or browsing history are deleted. |
| Cookies | Files created by websites that can save browsing information and preferences. | May sign you out of websites or remove site preferences. |
| Browsing history | A separate record or list of visited addresses. | Removes the selected history entries. |
| Download history | The browser’s list of downloaded items, distinct from the downloaded files themselves. | Removes the list; the actual files remain on the computer. |
These are common distinctions, not a complete inventory of browser storage. Chrome also provides separate controls for site data, settings, autofill, and other categories. See Chrome’s explanation of browsing-data categories.
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What happens when you clear temporary Internet files?
Clearing the cache removes the locally stored page content. Google says clearing cache and cookies can help with website loading or formatting problems, show a newer version of a site, or free local storage. A site may load more slowly the next time because images and other content must be fetched again: Google Account Help.
The result depends on which categories you select in the browser’s deletion controls. Clearing cached images and files alone is not the same as deleting cookies, browsing history, saved passwords, or downloaded files. Chrome lists data categories separately, and confirms that deleting download history does not remove the underlying downloads: Google Chrome Help.
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- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Where do you find the setting?
In Chrome, the cache appears in the browsing-data deletion controls as “Cached images and files.” Chrome lets you choose a time range and select which categories to remove. Exact menu labels and steps may vary by browser, version, and device, so consult the browser’s current help instructions for the specific controls.
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