Cache Explorer is a Windows application from Popcorn Software for finding, viewing and saving files that web browsers keep in their caches. It handles cached pictures, video, audio, PDFs, documents and other files. The program uses paid licenses and provides a free trial with access to every function. Its source material consists of files that browsers temporarily keep on the computer.
Browser caches as sources
Cache Explorer lists cache sources in a sidebar. You select a browser there and use Scan to examine its stored files. The main area presents the results, while a separate panel displays the file you select.
The supported browsers include:
- Google Chrome
- Microsoft Edge
- Mozilla Firefox
- Opera
- Brave Browser
- Maxthon
These browser caches supply the images, media and documents that the program can find and extract.
Choosing cached items
Cache Explorer provides category tabs for All, Images, Animation, Videos and Audio. Selecting a category narrows the displayed results to that kind of content. The image view presents thumbnail tiles with filenames, file types, pixel dimensions and sizes. A highlighted border marks the current selection, which also appears in the preview panel. The sidebar and category tabs display item counts.
Previewing images and media
Cache Explorer can display pictures and play audio or video straight from the browser cache. You can inspect a selected image in the preview panel while the other results remain alongside it. Zoom In and Zoom Out change the picture’s display scale, and Original Size restores its original display size.
The Videos category shows cached clips as thumbnails with their duration and image dimensions. Selecting a clip loads it into the side preview. Cache Explorer provides play, pause and stop controls there, plus a seek bar for moving through the clip. A dedicated playback view adds Previous and Next controls for stepping between clips, alongside elapsed time, total duration and volume adjustment.
Saving files out of the cache
To retain a cached item, select it and use Save This File in the preview pane. Cache Explorer extracts the file from its cache and saves it to local storage. You can also drag cached files from the program into a destination folder. That action saves them in the folder you choose for later viewing offline.
Trial and computer license
Cache Explorer gives unregistered users every function during its trial. The purchase options include a yearly subscription and a one-year license. Both use a license key, and each license covers one computer. A valid license also permits upgrades and downgrades during its term.
