How To Clear File Explorer History In Windows 10

Windows Explorer or File Explorer keeps track of all recently opened files and folders. The newly introduced Quick Access, which is a part of Windows 10 File Explorer, displays recently opened files and frequently opened folders.

The jump list of File Explorer (jump list appears when you right-click on File Explorer’s icon on the taskbar) on the taskbar displays frequently accessed folders so that you can access frequently opened folders without having to navigate to their original location. The File Explorer also saves searches made using File Explorer as well as your address bar entries.

If you share your PC with others and are serious about privacy, at times, after accessing some files and folders, you might want to clear File Explorer history to avoid others from knowing your recently accessed files and folders.

While you can always use third-party tools like CCleaner for Windows 10, you can clear File Explorer history without the help of third-party tools. Yes, there is an option in Windows 10 to clear File Explorer history with ease.

When you clear File Explorer’s history, it clears File Explorer’s jump list history (both taskbar and Start menu), File Explorer address bar history, Quick Access history, and Run command box history. However, it doesn’t clear the search box history.

Delete File Explorer history in Windows 10

Complete the given below directions to clear File Explorer or Windows Explorer history in Windows 10.

Step 1: Launch File Explorer by clicking its icon on the taskbar or using the Windows logo + E keyboard shortcut.

Step 2: Click the File menu, and then click Change folder and search options to open Folder Options.

Note that you might see only Options instead of Change folder and search options when you click the File menu. The Options entry appears if you have selected a file or folder while clicking the File menu.

Step 3: Under the General tab of Folder Options, there is a section called Privacy. Under the Privacy section, click the button labeled Clear to clear File Explorer history as well as Quick Access history in Windows 10.

Good luck!