What is a Hard Refresh?
What is a hard refresh and how do you perform a hard refresh? Here are very simple directions on how to hard refresh your Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Explorer browsers.
Why is a Hard Refresh Needed on Websites?
A hard refresh clears the browser’s cache for a specific page, forcing it to load the most recent version that includes changes to style-sheets or other scripts. Sometimes, when a website is updated, the changes are not seen right away because the browser is still using an older version of the page, which helps the browser to load pages faster.
That means that you may not see a newer version of a website due to outdated versions of it being stored as cached files on your browser. This is exactly why a hard refresh – or “force reload” – is beneficial, especially if a website is still under construction and has gone through multiple revisions.
While it is a convenient way for your browser to save time by referencing back to essential page structures, caching can lead to the slowdown of your systems and applications and the display of outdated content that may undermine user experience and a business’s objectives.
Another important reason to use a hard refresh, especially on public browsers, is because cached passwords and other sensitive information can be stored on the browser and accessed by others. By clearing cached information, you can mitigate privacy threats that could compromise your private information and identity.
Clicking on the refresh icon refresh icon in the address bar of the browser is NOT the same as a hard refresh.
How To Do a Hard Refresh in Google Chrome?
To hard refresh your Chrome browser, make sure you are viewing the website before using the hot keys below.
- For Windows users: hold down Ctrl and then press F5 on your keyboard
- For MAC users: hold down ⌘ Cmd and ⇧ Shift and then press R on your keyboard
How To Do a Hard Refresh in Firefox?
Hard refresh in Firefox is the same as on Chrome. Make sure you are viewing the website before using the hot keys below.
- For Windows users: hold down Ctrl and then press F5 on your keyboard
- For MAC users: hold down ⌘ Cmd and ⇧ Shift and then press R on your keyboard
How Do You Hard Refresh in Safari?
For Safari browser refresh, make sure you are viewing the website on your MAC before using the instructions below.
- Go to
Safari > Empty Cache, or hit Opt + ⌘ Cmd + E - To refresh, click the refresh button on the address bar or press ⌘ Cmd + R
How Do You Hard Refresh in Microsoft Edge?
The Internet Explorer and Microsoft Edge hard refresh is the easiest of all. Make sure you are viewing the website on your PC before using the hot keys below.
- Hold down Ctrl and then press F5 on your keyboard
What Gets Stored in Your Website Browser?
Websites rely on a combination of resources to improve your browsing experience. However, these elements can also create a negative experience when outdated resources are used. Here are items that often get stored in your browser:
- Cookies – small scripts that browsers use to personalize your experience by collecting user data
- Java-script – often used to create interactive elements on a webpage such as slideshows, accordions, menus, and other common items to make a webpage more dynamic
- Style-sheets – used to control the look of a page, style-sheets include the fonts, colors, layout controls, and other necessities for successful custom web design.
Final Thoughts About Removing Cached Information
The benefits of removing stored cached information from your browser are multifold – from accessing newer versions of information and enabling faster access to applications to receiving privacy protection and enjoying a better user experience. Remember, erasing cached data will not compromise any of your hard drive or saved browsing information. It will only erase temporarily stored files and free up space that will improve your overall browsing experience. You can think of the process as a daily web browser detox that helps your browsing system function more optimally.
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