How to clear search history in File Explorer on Windows 10
File Explorer lets you remove your search history, and in this guide, we’ll show you the steps to complete this task.
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On Windows 10, File Explorer keeps a history of the most recent search queries typed in the box in the top-right corner. Then when you type in the search box again, it makes them available in a drop-down list in case you want to repeat the search quickly.
Although search history can come in handy in many situations, if you don’t want to see a specific entry in the list, or you share the device with other people. You don’t want anyone to see your search history,Windows 10provides multiple ways to delete (or disable) search history entirely using File Explorer, Registry, and Group Policy.
In this Windows 10 guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to clear the search history in File Explorer. Also, if the feature isn’t for you, we’ll also outline the steps to disable search history entirely.
How to delete search history using File Explorer
To remove the search history in File Explorer, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, recent searches will no longer be available in the history list.
How to delete search history using Registry
Alternatively, you can also clear the list of recent searches in File Explorer using the Registry.
Warning:This is a friendly reminder that editing the Registry is risky, and it can cause irreversible damage to your installation if you don’t do it correctly. It’s recommended to make a full backup of your PC before proceeding.
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To clear your recent search history, close File Explorer, and use these steps:
After you complete the steps, the next time you open File Explorer, you should no longer see any history entry as you perform a new search.
How to disable File Explorer search history using Group Policy
If you’re running Windows 10 Pro (or Enterprise), you can disable the ability for File Explorer to record your search entries using the Group Policy Editor.
To disable search history in File Explorer, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, File Explorer will no longer show the history of searches as you type new entries in the search box.
In case you change your mind, you can roll back the previous settings using the same instructions, but onstep No. 5, select theNot Configuredoption.
How to disable File Explorer search history using Registry
Also, you can disable recent searches list in File Explorer using the Registry.
To disable search suggestions, close File Explorer, and use these steps:
After you complete the steps, the search history feature will no longer be available in File Explorer, but you’ll still be able to perform searches regularly.
If you want to revert the changes, you can always use the same instructions, but onstep No. 3, right-click theDisableSearchBoxSuggestionsDWORD and select theDeleteoption.
Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.
