Cookies are small text files that some websites put on your computer to store a variety of information about you and your preferences. Here are answers to some common questions about cookies.
Websites use cookies to offer a personalized experience to users and to gather information about website use. Many websites also use cookies to store information that provides a consistent experience between sections of the site, such as a shopping cart or customized pages. With a trusted website, cookies can enrich your experience by allowing the site to learn your preferences or allowing you to skip having to sign in every time you go to the website. However, some cookies, such as those saved by banner ads, might put your privacy at risk by tracking sites you visit.
Yes, you can block or allow cookies on all websites or you can choose which websites’ cookies are allowed. For more information, click Related Topics.
Not necessarily. Blocking all cookies can help protect your privacy, but it might limit your experience on some websites. Be selective about which websites you allow cookies for. You can start by blocking all cookies, then allow cookies as needed for websites that you trust.
To delete all cookies, follow these steps:
- In Internet Explorer, click the Tools button, and then click Internet Options.
- On the General tab, under Browsing history, click Delete.
- Select the Cookies check box, and then click Delete.
Notes
- Deleting all cookies might cause some webpages to work incorrectly.
- For more information about cookies, including information about how to delete an individual cookie, click Related Topics.
Temporary cookies (or session cookies) are removed from your computer after you close Internet Explorer. Websites use them to store temporary information, such as items in your shopping cart.
Persistent cookies (or saved cookies) remain on your computer after you close Internet Explorer. Websites use them to store information, such as your sign-in name and password, so that you don’t have to sign in each time you go to a particular site. Persistent cookies can remain on your computer for days, months, or even years.
First-party cookies come from the website that you’re viewing and can be either persistent or temporary. Websites might use these cookies to store information that they’ll reuse the next time you go to that site.
Third-party cookies come from other websites’ advertisements (such as pop-up or banner ads) on the website that you’re viewing. Websites might use these cookies to track your web use for marketing purposes.
Cookies are stored is in a folder named Cookies which is stored inside the Documents and Settings folder. By default, the path is C:\Documents and Settings\your user name\Cookies.
