There are times when you may have to recover deleted internet history to find out what a previous user searched for, to find a forgotten URL, or simply want to retrieve deleted information. Even though your internet history may have been deleted in your browser, Windows still retains that information, which can be accessed in several ways. Until recently, the easiest way to search for deleted history was using a Google account. If you have a Google account and use it when that piece of information you want to access is missing, continue with this method. However, if you don't use Google, the process can be a bit complicated. Fortunately, there is a computer's built-in cache that can be used to access lost history.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using DNS Cache
Step 1. Open "Start", then select "Run"
In the search field, type " cmd " (without the quotes), then select " OK ". Even if someone has deleted their browsing history, the DNS Cache will retain that information. Keep in mind that this method can be confusing because it saves not only the history in the browser, but everything connected to the internet (eg apps).
Step 2. Wait for the Command Prompt to open
The application window is black, which you can use to type
ipconfig/displaydns
. Next, press the “Enter” key.
Step 3. Recover deleted history
Once the command is entered, your internet history will be displayed.
Method 2 of 3: Downloading a Recovery Program
Step 1. Look for a reliable recovery program
The recommended software is Data Recovery Wizard or Recuva. If you have downloaded the free program, run the program. The tutorial in this article uses Recuva, but almost any program can be run in a similar way.
Step 2. Click "Next" on the Welcome to the Recuva Wizard page
If the page does not appear after the program is run, go to " Options ", then select " Show Wizard at Startup ".
Step 3. Select the file types you want to recover
In this article, the file type is deleted internet history. If you have done so, press the " Next " button. The File Location page will be displayed.
Step 4. Select the location you want the software to use to perform a search
Click "Start" and wait for the scan to complete. This could take a while.
Step 5. Select "Recover"
When the scan is complete, you will be given the option to recover the files and choose a save location on your computer. Click "OK" if you have selected a location.
Method 3 of 3: Accessing Google History
Step 1. Access Google Browser History
So far, this is the easiest way, although it only works if you're signed in to your Google account when you're doing the search you want to access.
Step 2. Sign in to your Google account
Go to www.google.com/history and enter the information for the account you were searching for.
Step 3. Check the browsing history
From this page you can view your browsing history displayed by time and date. If you want to delete the history, click the gear icon in the upper right corner and select "Remove Items".
