Change Cookies Folder Location for Internet Explorer

To change where Internet Explorer stores its cookies, you can use a Group Policy setting or edit the Windows Registry, as there is no built-in option in the browser itself. The setting is called “Cookies” under Temporary Internet Files, and it lets you specify a custom folder path. This article explains both methods, what to watch out for, and answers common questions about the process.

Why You Might Want to Move the Cookies Folder

Internet Explorer (IE) stores cookies, along with cached files and history, in a per-user folder under %LocalAppData%\Microsoft\Windows\INetCache (on Windows 10 and 8) or %AppData%\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies (on older systems). The default location works fine for most people, but there are a few reasons you might want to move it:

• Disk space: If your system drive is small or full, moving cookies and cache to another drive can free up space.
• Performance: On some setups, a faster or less fragmented drive can slightly improve browser responsiveness.
• Privacy or backup: You might want cookies on an encrypted volume or a drive you back up regularly.
• Corporate policy: In an enterprise, an administrator may need to redirect cookies to a network location or a specific local path.

Keep in mind that cookies are tiny text files (usually under 4 KB each), so the space savings are minimal. The main reason to move them is usually organizational or policy-driven.

How Internet Explorer Stores Cookies

Internet Explorer doesn’t keep cookies in a single file like some modern browsers. Instead, each cookie is a separate text file, often with a name like cookie:user@example.com. These files are stored in a folder that also contains the browser’s cache (temporary internet files). The exact path depends on the Windows version and whether you have “Protected Mode” enabled.

In IE, the cookies folder is actually a special shell folder, not just a regular directory. That means you can’t simply drag it to a new location; you have to tell Windows where to look. The two supported ways are:

• Group Policy (for Windows Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions)
• Registry editing (works on all editions, but requires care)

Both methods change the same underlying registry value, so the steps are similar.

Method 1: Using Group Policy (Windows Pro/Enterprise)

If you have a Windows version that includes the Local Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc), this is the safer, supported method:

1. Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Internet Explorer > Internet Control Panel > Advanced Page.
3. Double-click the setting “Cookies” (it may be listed as “Set a specific directory for temporary internet files”).
4. Select Enabled, then type the full path to your desired folder, e.g., D:\IECookies.
5. Click OK and restart Internet Explorer.

The folder must exist before you set the policy, or IE may fail to start. You can create it manually or with a script. After applying the policy, IE will store new cookies in that folder. Existing cookies in the old location will not be moved automatically.

Method 2: Editing the Registry (All Windows Versions)

If you don’t have Group Policy, you can edit the registry directly. This works on Windows Home editions too, but be careful—a mistake can affect other browser settings.

1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to:
   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders
3. Find the value named Cookies. If it doesn’t exist, create a new String Value with that name.
4. Double-click it and set the value to the full path of your new folder, e.g., D:\IECookies. You can use environment variables like %USERPROFILE%\MyCookies.
5. Click OK and restart your computer (or at least sign out and back in).

There is also a related value under HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Folders (without “User”). Some sources say to change both, but the “User Shell Folders” one is the one that actually controls the path. If you only change the non-User version, Windows may reset it.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

Here are a few things that often trip people up:

• IE ignores the setting after a Windows Update: Some updates reset the shell folders to defaults. You may need to reapply the registry change.
• The folder doesn’t appear until you restart: IE reads the path at startup, so you must close all IE windows and reopen it. A full restart is safer.
• Cookies are still in the old location: The setting only affects new cookies. Old cookies stay where they are. You can copy them manually if you need them.
• Protected Mode creates a separate folder: In IE, when Protected Mode is on (which it is by default for Internet zone), cookies are stored in a subfolder like Low under the main cookies folder. The registry path you set is the parent; IE will still create a Low subfolder inside it.
• You can’t move cookies to a network drive: Windows may not allow shell folders to point to a UNC path. If you need network storage, use a mapped drive letter.

How to Verify the Change Worked

After applying the setting, you can check whether IE is actually using the new folder:

1. Open Internet Explorer and visit any website that sets a cookie (e.g., any site that logs you in).
2. Close IE completely.
3. Open File Explorer and navigate to the folder you specified.
4. Look for files with names like cookie:username@domain. If they appear, the change worked.

If the folder is empty, check the Low subfolder. Also, make sure you have write permissions to that folder. If you set a path on a drive that doesn’t exist, IE will fall back to the default location.

Alternatives to Moving the Cookies Folder

If your goal is simply to free up space or manage privacy, there are easier alternatives than moving the folder:

• Clear cookies regularly: IE has a built-in “Delete browsing history” option (Ctrl+Shift+Del). You can set it to clear cookies on exit.
• Use a different browser: Modern browsers like Edge, Chrome, or Firefox allow you to change the entire profile location, which includes cookies, with a command-line flag or a setting. They also handle cookies more efficiently.
• Move the entire INetCache folder: Instead of just cookies, you can move the whole temporary internet files folder using the same registry method. This is what most people actually want when they think about moving cookies.

Remember that Internet Explorer is retired and no longer supported by Microsoft. For security and compatibility, consider using a current browser. The steps in this article still work on Windows 10 and 11 if you have IE enabled, but they are not recommended for daily use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I move cookies to a different drive without editing the registry?

No, there is no built-in option in Internet Explorer’s settings to change the cookies folder. The only ways are Group Policy or registry editing. You could also use a symbolic link (mklink) to redirect the folder, but that’s more complex and can break with updates.

Will moving cookies affect my saved passwords or form data?

No, passwords and form data are stored separately in the Windows Credential Manager and in the registry, not in the cookies folder. Moving cookies only affects the small text files that websites use to remember your session or preferences.

Does this work on Windows 11?

Internet Explorer is disabled by default on Windows 11, but if you have it enabled (e.g., via Internet Explorer mode in Edge), the registry method still works. However, Microsoft strongly recommends against using IE for everyday browsing.

What happens if I delete the folder after moving it?

If you delete the new cookies folder, IE will recreate it automatically when it starts. You’ll lose all cookies that were in it, but the browser will continue to work. If you delete the old folder, nothing happens—IE no longer uses it.

Can I use environment variables in the registry path?

Yes, you can use variables like %USERPROFILE% or %SystemDrive% in the registry string value. Windows will expand them when IE reads the path. This is useful if you want the same setting to work for multiple users.

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