How to Remove File Explorer History
In today’s digital age, privacy is a top concern for many users. One aspect of privacy that often goes overlooked is the file explorer history. This history keeps track of the files and folders you have accessed on your computer, which can be a security risk if it falls into the wrong hands. If you’re looking to remove your file explorer history, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you do so.
Step 1: Access the File Explorer History
First, you need to access the file explorer history. On Windows, press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box, then type “shell:history” and press Enter. This will open a new window displaying your file explorer history.
Step 2: Delete Individual Items
To delete individual items from your file explorer history, simply right-click on the item you want to remove and select “Delete.” Confirm the deletion when prompted. Repeat this process for each item you want to remove.
Step 3: Clear the Entire History
If you want to remove the entire file explorer history at once, you can do so by deleting the contents of the “History” folder. To find this folder, navigate to the following path:
“`
C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer
“`
Inside the “Explorer” folder, you will find a “History” folder. Open this folder and delete all the files inside it. Be cautious when doing this, as deleting these files will remove your entire file explorer history.
Step 4: Clear the Recent Files List
The recent files list is another place where your file explorer history is stored. To clear this list, follow these steps:
1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “shell:AppsFolder” and press Enter.
3. Navigate to the “Microsoft.Windows.FileExplorer_cw5n1h2txyewy!App” folder.
4. Open the “Recent” folder and delete all the files inside it.
Step 5: Reset File Explorer Settings
If you want to ensure that your file explorer history is completely removed and that it doesn’t reappear in the future, you can reset the File Explorer settings to their default values. To do this:
1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “control” and press Enter to open the Control Panel.
3. Navigate to “Programs” > “Programs and Features.”
4. Click on “Turn Windows features on or off” on the left side of the window.
5. Scroll down and expand “File Explorer Options.”
6. Uncheck the “Show recently used files in Quick Access” and “Show frequently used folders in Quick Access” options.
7. Click “OK” and restart your computer.
By following these steps, you can effectively remove your file explorer history and ensure that your privacy is protected. Remember to regularly review and clear your file explorer history to maintain your digital privacy.
