How to Clear Run History in Windows 10
Clearing the run history in Windows 10 helps to maintain your privacy and keep your system clean. It’s a straightforward process where you access the Windows Registry, find the RunMRU key, and delete its entries. This guide walks you through the steps so you can clear your run history in no time.
How to Clear Run History in Windows 10
Clearing your run history in Windows 10 involves accessing the Windows Registry and locating the right keys. Follow these steps carefully to ensure your run history is completely cleared.
Step 1: Open the Run Dialog Box
Press Win + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
The Run dialog box is your gateway to various system settings and tools in Windows 10. It’s also where your run history is stored.
Step 2: Type "regedit" and Press Enter
In the Run dialog box, type "regedit" and press Enter.
Regedit is short for Registry Editor, a powerful tool that lets you view and edit the Windows registry. Be cautious while using it, as changes can affect your system’s functionality.
Step 3: Navigate to the RunMRU Key
In the Registry Editor, navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerRunMRU.
The RunMRU key stores all the commands you’ve executed through the Run dialog box. This is where you will clear your run history.
Step 4: Delete Run History Entries
Select and delete any unwanted entries in the right pane of the RunMRU key.
You can right-click each entry and choose "Delete" to remove it. Be sure you only delete the MRU entries to avoid accidental changes to other registry settings.
Step 5: Close the Registry Editor
After deleting the entries, close the Registry Editor.
Closing the Registry Editor saves your changes and ensures that the registry is updated. Your run history should now be clear.
Once you complete these steps, your Run history will be cleared, and you won’t see any previously executed commands in the Run dialog box.
Tips for Clearing Run History in Windows 10
- Regular Maintenance: Clearing your run history periodically maintains system performance and privacy.
- Backup Your Registry: Always back up your registry before making any changes to prevent any accidental issues.
- Use Disk Cleanup: For broader system cleanup, use the Disk Cleanup tool to remove temporary files and other unnecessary data.
- Stay Cautious: Be careful while navigating the Registry Editor; incorrect changes can affect system stability.
- User Profiles: Repeat these steps for each user profile on your computer to clear all run histories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I clear my run history?
Clearing your run history maintains your privacy and prevents others from seeing what commands you’ve executed.
Is it safe to delete entries in the Registry Editor?
Yes, it’s safe as long as you delete only the RunMRU entries. Be cautious and avoid deleting other keys.
Can I recover the deleted run history?
No, once you delete the entries from the registry, they cannot be recovered.
What if I accidentally delete the wrong registry key?
Restoring the registry from a backup can fix incorrect deletions. Always back up before making changes.
Does Disk Cleanup affect run history?
No, Disk Cleanup does not clear the run history. You need to manually clear it via the Registry Editor.
Summary
- Open the Run dialog box.
- Type "regedit" and press Enter.
- Navigate to the RunMRU key.
- Delete Run history entries.
- Close the Registry Editor.
Conclusion
Clearing your run history in Windows 10 is a quick and simple task that can help improve your privacy and keep your system neat. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily remove all previously executed commands from the Run dialog box. Remember to always be cautious when making changes in the Registry Editor and consider backing up your registry before you start. If you’re interested in more ways to maintain and optimize your computer, check out our other articles on Windows 10 maintenance. Happy computing!
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.