How to Clear File Explorer and Run Dialog Box History in Windows 10
Clearing File Explorer history deletes the information Windows saved about the files and folders you use as well as what you've typed in the address bar.
This tutorial will show you how to clear the history of File Explorer and Run dialog box for your account in Windows 10.
For a Windows 11 version of this tutorial, see:
Clear File Explorer History in Windows 11
Contents
- Option One: Clear File Explorer and history in File Explorer Options
- Option Two: Clear File Explorer history using a BAT file
EXAMPLE: File Explorer history
(Quick access - unpinned Frequent folders and Recent files)
(File Explorer File menu - unpinned Frequent places)
(File Explorer jump list)
(File Explorer address bar typed history)
(Run dialog box typed history)
1 Open File Explorer Options.
2 In the General tab, click/tap on the Clear button for Clear File Explorer history under Privacy. (see screenshot below)
3 You can now close File Explorer Options if you like.
This option is more thorough than option one.
The downloadable .bat file in this option contains the commands below that will delete these items to clear File Explorer history for your account.
Del /F /Q %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Recent\*
Del /F /Q %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Recent\AutomaticDestinations\*
Del /F /Q %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Recent\CustomDestinations\*
REG Delete HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\RunMRU /VA /F
REG Delete HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\TypedPaths /VA /F
rundll32 InetCpl.cpl,ClearMyTracksByProcess 1
1 Click/tap on the Download button below to download the .bat file below.
2. Save the .bat file to your desktop.
3 Unblock the .bat file.
4 Double click/tap on the .bat file to run it.
That's it,
Shawn Brink
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