Most browser-based systems, including Dynamics 365, rely heavily on the local “browser cache”, which is a storage area for frequently used application data that’s required to use the system. Storing this data right on your machine allows the application to run significantly faster since it doesn’t need to wait for a response from the server (which could be across the country, or even on the other side of the world) for every bit of information. But sometimes relying on the cache can cause issues. We won’t get into those here, but just know that it’s a good idea to periodically delete these cache files, a process called “clearing your cache”. Many issues encountered when working with Dynamics 365 can be resolved by clearing your cache, so we recommend using this technique as your go-to first troubleshooting step. Here are a few instances where clearing the cache is known to clear up issues:
- After system upgrades
- After publishing changes
- When the system seems to be running slow
- If forms not opening or getting stuck on “Loading Business Logic”
So without further ado, here’s how to clear the cache in all the major web browsers: Internet Explorer Edge Chrome Firefox Safari
Clearing cache in Internet Explorer
Click on the gear icon and select “Internet options”
Clearing cache in Edge
Click the ellipse icon in the top right corner, then select “Settings”
Click on the “Privacy, search, and services” tab, scroll down to the “Clear browsing data” section, and click “Choose what to clear.” Select “Cookies and saved website data”, “Cached data and filed” and any other items you want to delete, then click “Clear”.Clearing cache in Chrome
Click the Settings icon (three dots) in the top right corner. Click on “More tools”, then select “Clear browsing data”.
Clearing cache in Firefox
Click the settings icon (three bars) in the top right corner, then select “Options”.
Clearing cache in Safari
Click the Safari menu and choose “Preferences”
Final words
With browser-based applications, clearing your cache is the new “did you restart it?” question in IT spaces. If you see strange behaviors (especially behaviors that aren’t consistent among all users) try clearing the cache before spending time with more advanced troubleshooting.