Windows Explorer: Clear history

If you share your computer with several people, you should regularly delete the history of Windows Explorer. We explain how this works in this practical tip.

Remove Windows Explorer history on Windows 7

Windows 7 automatically saves all your searches. You can remove this history in a few steps:

1. Click the start button and open one of your personal folders like "Documents".
2. Click on the "Search documents" field at the top right with the mouse. Now your most recent searches will appear.
3. Move the cursor over an entry so that it is highlighted in blue. Then press the [Delete] key on your keyboard.
4. Repeat this process until you have deleted all search entries.

Eliminate Explorer searches on Windows 8 and 10

On Windows 8 and 10, you need to do something different to clear Explorer's search history:

1. First open Windows Explorer with the key combination [Windows] + [E].
2. Then click on the "Search quick access" field in the top right.
3. As a result, various options appear in the tab above - including the item "Recent searches".
4. Expand the menu and you will find the "Clear Search History" button at the bottom.

Delete the rest of the history of Windows Explorer

In addition to the search queries, Windows stores additional information. Some data still reveal the order in which you opened the folders. You can delete the rest of the history as follows:

1. Open a personal folder again.
2. Right-click on the field with the path information above.
3. A context menu now appears here. Select the "Clear History" option.

We will tell you how to delete your browser history on the next page.