Cookies collect information about your browsing habits to personalize your web experience by remembering login details and site preferences. However, they can also accumulate over time, potentially slowing down your browser and posing privacy risks if shared with advertising networks. Clearing cookies in Microsoft Edge helps protect your personal data and can enhance browser performance.

Step 1: Open Microsoft Edge and click on the ellipsis (three dots) icon located at the top-right corner of the browser window to access the menu.

Step 2: From the drop-down menu, select Settings to open the browser's settings panel.

Step 3: In the left sidebar of the settings panel, click on Privacy, search, and services to access privacy-related options.

Step 4: Scroll down to the Clear browsing data section and click on Choose what to clear to view data deletion options.

Step 5: In the Time range drop-down menu, select the duration for which you want to clear cookies—for example, Last hour, Last 24 hours, or All time.

Step 6: Ensure the checkbox next to Cookies and other site data is selected. If you prefer to clear only cookies, uncheck the boxes for other items like Browsing history and Cached images and files.

Step 7: Click on Clear now to delete the cookies based on your selected time range and data types.

Be aware that if you have syncing enabled in Microsoft Edge, clearing cookies will remove them from all devices connected with the same account. To clear cookies only on your current device, sign out of your Microsoft account before performing these steps.

By regularly clearing cookies in Microsoft Edge, you can safeguard your privacy and keep your browser running efficiently by removing unnecessary stored data.