FAQs About Computer Requirements

Frequently asked questions

All FAQs about computer requirements

Where do I go for browser troubleshooting?

First try downloading the latest version of the browser. Newer browsers have additional functionality and have corrected problems from earlier versions. Some older releases may be incompatible with new features of tiaa.org or other websites.

If you’ve downloaded a new browser and still experience difficulties, try the following troubleshooting tips. If that doesn't work, send us a message explaining your problem.

Internet Explorer

We currently recommend Internet Explorer versions 11. If you are experiencing problems, you should try clearing your browser’s cache (history). When you visit a website, your computer stores tiny pieces of data from the site so that its pages will display faster during return visits. Most computers store such files in a folder called Temporary Internet Files. Occasionally they can become corrupt or outdated and need to be deleted.

To clear the cache:
Select Tools > Options. In the Temporary Internet Files section click "Delete Files."

Next, try disabling autocomplete. This function saves login information, such as your user ID and password for convenience. (We do not recommend this for security reasons.)

Select Tools > Internet Options > ‘Content’ tab > Personal Information > Autocomplete. Uncheck the following: Web Addresses, Forms, User IDs and Passwords. Select "Clear Forms" and "Clear Passwords", then "OK."

Next, go to Tools > Internet Options > "Advanced Settings" tab. Go to "Browser header" and uncheck "Use Inline Autocomplete for Web Addresses." Then on the "Security" tab, check "Do Not Save Encrypted Pages to disk."

Check "Empty Temporary Internet File Folders when browser is closed." Uncheck "Warn if changing between secure and not secure mode."

Try refreshing the page in your browser.

Mozilla Firefox

To clear cache in Firefox:

Select Tools and click "Clear private data."
Then, on the result "popup window" check the options "Cache" and "Authenticated Sessions," and select "Clear private data now."

You can also try this method:

Tools > Options > Privacy tab > Select "Settings" in the "Private Data" section >
> Select the check boxes "Cache" & "Authenticated Sessions."
Check the box "Ask me before clearing private data" in the "Private Data" section.

Safari

Some dynamic applications on tiaa.org may not take effect immediately on the Safari browser. This is due to Safari caching the page you are trying to look at. If you are not seeing the changes you requested on a page, try refreshing the page. If you still do not see any change, you may need to clear your cache.

To clear the cache:

Select Safari > Empty Cache (Cmd–Opt–E). Now refresh the page.

Google Chrome

To clear the cache:

History > Select "Clear browsing data", then in the pop-up window select the "Clear browsing data" button again.

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How do I download a newer browser?

You can use any of the following browsers to access TIAA.org:

- Microsoft Internet Explorer: Windows only
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox: Windows
- Safari: Mac only

Please note also that some online features require plug-ins, which are supplemental software programs that work in concert with your browser to provide additional functionality. These include:

- Macromedia’s free Flash Player (for playing animated presentations)
- Adobe Acrobat (for accessing and printing replica–quality applications and other business forms)