Windows keeps a record of your search history to make it easier to find and access files, applications, and websites. While this feature can be convenient, there are times when you might want to clear it for privacy reasons or to tidy up your system. In this guide, we will walk you through different methods for clearing your search history on Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Why You Should Clear Search History
Clearing your search history helps protect your privacy, especially if multiple people use your computer. It can also free up space and ensure that your device operates smoothly. Some of the benefits include:
- Preventing others from seeing what you’ve searched.
- Protecting sensitive information from being exposed.
- Improving the search experience by removing outdated or irrelevant results.
Methods to Clear Search History on Windows
1. Clear Search History from the Start Menu
The Start Menu in Windows records your recent searches for quick access. To clear this history:
- Open the Settings Menu
Click on the Start button and then select the Settings gear icon. - Go to Privacy
In the Settings window, choose Privacy. - Clear Activity History
Under Activity history, you will see an option to Clear activity history. Click on it to delete your recent searches from the Start Menu.
2. Clear File Explorer Search History
Windows File Explorer also keeps track of your searches, which can be deleted easily.
- Open File Explorer
Press Windows key + E or click the File Explorer icon in the taskbar. - Access Folder Options
In the File Explorer window, click on the three dots in the top right corner and choose Options from the dropdown menu. - Clear Search History
Under the General tab in Folder Options, click the Clear button under Privacy. This will remove the search history that File Explorer stores.
3. Clear Cortana/Search History (Windows 10)
If you’re using Windows 10, Cortana (the virtual assistant) keeps a history of searches as well. To clear it:
- Open Settings
Click on the Start button, then click the gear icon to open Settings. - Navigate to Cortana Settings
Choose Cortana & Search from the list. - Clear Search History
Scroll down and click Manage what Cortana knows about me in the cloud. This will open a webpage where you can delete your search history and other stored information.
4. Clear Search History in Microsoft Edge or Other Browsers
Browsers also track search history, which can be cleared through their settings.
- Open Microsoft Edge
If you’re using Microsoft Edge, click on the three dots in the upper-right corner of the browser. - Select Settings
Choose Settings from the dropdown. - Clear Browsing Data
Scroll down to Privacy, search, and services. Under the Clear browsing data section, click Choose what to clear. - Clear History
Select Browsing history, and click Clear Now to remove your search history from the browser.
For other browsers (like Chrome, Firefox, etc.), you can find similar options under their settings for clearing browsing history.
5. Delete Search History from Microsoft Account (Windows 11)
Windows 11 uses a more integrated system, syncing search data across devices linked to your Microsoft account. To delete your search history:
- Go to Settings
Open Settings by clicking the Start button and selecting the gear icon. - Select Privacy & Security
In the left menu, choose Privacy & Security. - Manage Search History
Under the Activity History section, click Manage my Microsoft account activity. - Clear History
This will open the Microsoft account activity page in your browser, where you can clear search history and other activities.
6. Clear Edge and Windows Search History in One Place (Windows 11)
In Windows 11, you can clear both browser and search history via the Settings app:
- Open Settings
Click on the Start button, then click Settings. - Go to Privacy & Security
In the left menu, click on Privacy & Security. - Clear Search History
Scroll to the Windows Permissions section, and click on Activity History. You will be redirected to a webpage where you can delete all stored search activity across Edge, the Start Menu, and File Explorer.
Final Tips and Best Practices
- Regularly Clear History: Set a reminder to clear your history periodically to maintain privacy and organization.
- Use Incognito Mode: For sensitive searches, consider using your browser’s incognito or private browsing mode, which doesn’t save search history.
- Disable History Syncing: If you’re concerned about cross-device syncing of search history, you can disable this in your Microsoft account settings.
Conclusion
Clearing your search history on Windows is a straightforward process. Whether you are concerned about privacy or just want to declutter your system, taking the time to clear your search history ensures a smoother and more secure user experience. Whether through the Start Menu, File Explorer, or Microsoft Edge, these steps will help keep your search activity under control.