Skip to main content

Clear KDE-tracked recently used items list

Overview​

About this script

This script improves your privacy on Linux.

These changes use Linux system commands to update your settings.

.desktop files are used by KDE to store recent documents and are exposed through an API 1.

They are not only specific to the desktop environment, but also used by applications. Likewise, they are used by the KDE implementation of QT components, such as QFileDialog (KFileWidget) 1. Furthermore, they are used by other KDE apps and can even be used by GTK applications 1.

This script uses Bash (Shell script) scripting language.

Use with Caution

This script is only recommended if you understand its implications. Some non-critical or features may no longer function correctly after running this script.

Implementation Details

  • Language: bash

  • Required Privileges: Root/sudo access

  • Compatibility: Linux only

  • Reversibility: Some changes may be permanent

Explore Categories​

This action belongs to Clear recently used files list category. Revealing data about recent files used by a user has privacy risks, such as exposing your actions and files that you wish to keep private. Read more on category page ▶

Apply now​

Choose one of three ways to apply:

  1. Automatically via privacy.sexy: The easiest and safest option.
  2. Manually by downloading: Requires downloading a file.
  3. Manually by copying: Advanced flexibility.

Alternative 1. Apply with Privacy.sexy​

privacy.sexy is free and open-source application that lets securely apply this action easily.

Open privacy.sexy

privacy.sexy instructions
  1. Open or download the desktop application
  2. Search for the script name: Clear KDE-tracked recently used items list.
  3. Check the script by clicking on the checkbox.
  4. Click on Run button at the bottom of the page.

Alternative 2. Download​

Reversible

This script is reversible, you can restore your changes to the initial/default state. The restore/revert methods provided here can help you fix issues.

If something goes wrong, use the Revert script provided above.

  1. Download the script file by clicking on the button below:

    Download script

  2. Run the script file by clicking on it.

Alternative 3. Copy​

This is for advanced users. Consider automatically applying or downloading the script for simpler way.

  1. Open Terminal

  2. Copy the following code:

Code to apply changes
# From global installations
rm -rfv ~/.local/share/RecentDocuments/*.desktop
rm -rfv ~/.kde/share/apps/RecentDocuments/*.desktop
rm -rfv ~/.kde4/share/apps/RecentDocuments/*.desktop
# From snap packages
rm -fv ~/snap/*/*/.local/share/*.desktop
# From Flatpak packages
rm -rfv ~/.var/app/*/data/*.desktop
  1. Paste the code into terminal.
  2. Press Enter to apply the code.

Some scripts requires restarting your computer to take affect.

Support​

This website relies on your support.

Support now

Your donation helps keep the project alive and improves its content ❤️.

Share this page:

EmailLinkedInRedditPinterestWhatsAppTelegramWeiboVK