This wikiHow teaches you how to clear the history of files on your computer, including things like recently viewed files and search suggestions. You can do this on Mac and Windows computers. If you want to clear internet-related history, clear browsing history in your web browser settings.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Clearing Search History in Windows
Step 1. Click on the Cortana search box
You'll find it on the left side of the taskbar, to the right of the Windows logo. Once you click on it, a Cortana window will open.
If this option is not available: right-click the taskbar, select Cortana, then click Show search box.
Step 2. Click Settings
It's on the left side of the Cortana window. Cortana settings will open in that window.
Step 3. Scroll down and click Clear my device history
This option is under the " My device history " heading. This will delete the search history on your device.
Step 4. Click Search history settings
This link is located under the " My search history " heading. Once you click this link, a Bing page containing all your searches will be displayed in chronological order.
This page will not be accessible if you are not connected to the Internet
Step 5. Click CHANGE HISTORY SETTINGS
This heading is at the top of the Bing page. This will bring up a menu below it.
Step 6. Click Clear all
It's in the "Clear search history" section of the menu.
Step 7. Click Yes when prompted
Cortana's entire search history will be deleted, both locally and online.
Method 2 of 4: Clearing File History in Windows
Step 1. Click Start
Click the Windows logo in the lower left corner.
You can also press Win on the computer keyboard
Step 2. Run File Explorer
Click the folder-shaped icon in the lower-left corner of the Start window.
Step 3. Click View
This tab is in the upper-left side of the File Explorer window. This will bring up a menu under the tab View.
Step 4. Click Options
It's a box-shaped icon on the right side of the menu View.
Step 5. Click the General tab in the upper left corner of the Folder Options window
Step 6. Click Clear
This option is under " Privacy " at the bottom of the window. Once you do that, any searches you've done recently in File Explorer will be deleted.
This will not delete any folders or files that you pinned (pinned) in File Explorer
Step 7. Hide future search history
Uncheck the box Show recently used files in Quick Access and Show recently used folders in Quick Access in the "Privacy" section. Although optional, this action can prevent your search from appearing in File Explorer's search bar.
Step 8. Click OK
It's at the bottom of the Folder Options window. Your search history in File Explorer is cleared now.
Method 3 of 4: Clearing File and App History on Mac
Step 1. Open Apple menu
Click the Apple logo in the upper left corner.
Step 2. Select Recent Items
You'll find it at the top of Apple's drop-down menu. This will bring up a menu with a list of applications and files that have been opened recently.
Step 3. Click Clear Menu
This option is at the bottom of the list that appears. Everything in the menu will be deleted.
Method 4 of 4: Clearing Folder History on Mac Computer
Step 1. Launch Finder
This blue, face-shaped app is in the Mac's Dock.
You can also click on it on the desktop
Step 2. Click Go
This menu is in the left half of your Mac's menu bar, which is at the top of the screen. After you click Go, a drop-down menu will appear.
Step 3. Select Recent Files
It's at the bottom of the drop-down menu Go. On the right side Recent Files will appear a list of folders that have been opened recently.
Step 4. Click Clear Menu
It's at the bottom of the menu that appears. The list of folders you have visited recently will be deleted.
