Your Windows 11 PC remembers a lot more about you than you might think. From browsing history to recent files, search suggestions, activity history, and even clipboard data—Windows keeps track of almost everything.
Sometimes, that’s convenient. But other times, you might want a clean slate for privacy, speed, or simply decluttering. The good news? Clearing history on Windows 11 is quick and easy once you know where to look.
This guide will walk you through every type of history you can clear in Windows 11, step by step.
Why Clear History on Windows 11?
1. Protect Your Privacy
If multiple people use your PC, clearing history ensures your personal activities remain private.
2. Free Up Space
Over time, cached data, temp files, and history can take up valuable storage space.
3. Improve Speed and Performance
Old, cluttered history can slow down search results and system responsiveness.
4. Get a Fresh Start
Clearing activity history gives your PC a “reset” feeling without reinstalling Windows.
Types of History You Can Clear
Windows 11 doesn’t have just one “history.” Here are the main types:
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Activity history (used for Timeline & personalized experiences)
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File Explorer history (recently accessed files & folders)
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Browsing history (in Microsoft Edge or other browsers)
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Search history (Start menu and Cortana)
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Clipboard history
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Run command history
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Temporary files & cache
We’ll cover all of these below.
Method 1: Clear Activity History
Activity history tracks the apps and files you use.
Step 1: Open Settings
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Press Windows + I to launch Settings.
Step 2: Navigate to Privacy Settings
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Go to Privacy & security → Activity history.
Step 3: Clear Activity History
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Scroll down and click Clear history.
Method 2: Clear File Explorer History
Ever noticed “Recent Files” or “Quick Access” suggestions? That’s Explorer history.
Step 1: Open File Explorer Options
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Press Windows + S, type File Explorer Options, and open it.
Step 2: Clear File Explorer History
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Under the General tab, click Clear next to “Clear File Explorer history.”
Method 3: Clear Browsing History (Microsoft Edge)
If you use Edge, Windows syncs browsing history across devices unless you clear it.
Step 1: Open Edge
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Launch Microsoft Edge.
Step 2: Go to Clear Browsing Data
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Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete.
Step 3: Select Data to Clear
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Choose browsing history, cache, cookies, etc.
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Click Clear now.
(For Chrome/Firefox, follow similar steps from their settings.)
Method 4: Clear Search History
Windows remembers what you search in the Start menu.
Step 1: Open Settings
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Press Windows + I.
Step 2: Go to Search Permissions
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Navigate to Privacy & security → Search permissions.
Step 3: Clear Search History
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Scroll to History → Clear device search history.
Method 5: Clear Clipboard History
Clipboard history saves copied items.
Step 1: Open Clipboard Settings
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Go to Settings → System → Clipboard.
Step 2: Clear Clipboard History
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Click Clear under Clear clipboard data.
(Shortcut: Press Windows + V, then click Clear All.)
Method 6: Clear Run Command History
Every time you run something using Windows + R, it saves the command.
Step 1: Open Registry Editor
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Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
Step 2: Navigate to RunMRU
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Go to:
Step 3: Delete Entries
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Delete the unwanted history values (but leave (Default) alone).
Method 7: Clear Temporary Files & Cache
Windows stores temp files that build up over time.
Step 1: Open Storage Settings
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Go to Settings → System → Storage.
Step 2: Use Storage Sense
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Enable Storage Sense or click Temporary files.
Step 3: Select & Delete
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Check temporary files, thumbnails, cache, etc., then hit Remove files.
Method 8: Clear Windows Search Index
If search is slow or shows old results, reset its index.
Step 1: Open Indexing Options
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Search Indexing Options in the Start menu.
Step 2: Advanced Settings
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Click Advanced → Rebuild under Troubleshooting.
This clears search index history and rebuilds it fresh.
Method 9: Clear Location History
Windows saves your location history for apps.
Step 1: Open Settings
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Go to Privacy & security → Location.
Step 2: Clear Location History
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Scroll down and click Clear under Location history.
Method 10: Use Command Prompt for Quick Clearing
Some users prefer commands.
Clear Temp Files with Command
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Open Command Prompt (Admin).
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Type:
This deletes all temporary files.
Bonus: Use Third-Party Tools
Apps like CCleaner or BleachBit can clear multiple types of history at once. Use with caution, though—don’t wipe critical files.
Best Practices for Managing History
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Clear regularly: Set reminders to clear every few weeks.
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Use Private Browsing: Browsers like Edge, Chrome, and Firefox have incognito modes.
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Enable Storage Sense: Automates history and temp file cleanup.
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Sync selectively: Turn off history sync if you don’t want data shared across devices.
Final Thoughts
Clearing history on Windows 11 is like giving your PC a fresh shower—it feels lighter, runs faster, and respects your privacy. Whether you just want to delete browsing history or completely wipe out activity records, Windows gives you multiple options.
The key is knowing which type of history you want to clear and following the right steps. Do this regularly, and your PC will thank you.
FAQs
1. Does clearing history speed up Windows 11?
Yes, clearing temp files, search history, and cache can improve responsiveness.
2. Will clearing history delete my files?
No, it only removes logs, temporary data, and cached items.
3. How often should I clear history on Windows 11?
Once every few weeks is enough for most users. Heavy users may clear more often.
4. Can I automate clearing history?
Yes, use Storage Sense in Windows 11 to automatically remove temporary files.
5. Does clearing history affect Microsoft account sync?
Yes, if you’re syncing across devices, clearing history may remove synced data too.