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Clear recent activity

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Works with Windows 10 and 11Works with Windows Vista, XP, 7, 8, 10, 11, and Windows Server 2008 or newer.
  • Windows onlyThis script improves your privacy on Windows
  • Multiple actionsThis page belongs to a category, containing some changes with similar goal.
  • Impact: Minimum

    System Functionality / Data Loss Risk: Low

    This action improves privacy with minimal impact when you run the recommended script.

  • Batch (batchfile)These changes use Windows system commands to update your settings.
  • 15 scripts
  • 2 categories
  • Administrator rights requiredThis script requires privilege access to do the system changes
  • Fully reversible

    You can fully restore this action (revert back to the original behavior) using this website.

    The restore/revert methods provided here can help you fix issues.

Overview​

This category includes scripts that erase traces of recent user activities on Windows. These scripts enhance privacy by removing records of accessed files, used applications, and changed system settings.

Clearing recent activity is crucial for protecting your privacy. Your computer keeps detailed logs of your actions, creating a digital footprint that can reveal sensitive information about your habits, interests, and personal life. This data can be exploited by cybercriminals, aggressive marketers, or even used in legal proceedings.

Regularly clearing this information helps you control your privacy and reduces the risk of personal. It also protects you from malicious actors who may insert harmful items into your activity history 1.

Key Benefits:

  • Enhances privacy: Removes records that reveal personal usage patterns, habits, and preferences.
  • Safeguards information: Helps protect sensitive information from unauthorized access and analysis.
  • Improves security: Limits the information and attack surface available to potential attackers.
  • Boosts performance: Improves system performance slightly by reducing unnecessary data.
Caution

Clearing recent activity may affect your productivity by removing quick access to recently used files, applications, and settings.

Safe for General Use
This script has Normal protection level option. This is recommended for all users to improve without any noticeable impact on the system functionality.
Sources
PrivacyLearn.com maintains strict sourcing standards for accuracy, integrity and up-to-date content. Our content relies on authoritative sources including vendor documentation, industry standards, and verified research. Learn more about our verification process and quality standards in our editorial standards page.

Apply Now​

Choose one of two ways to apply:

Download script​

Download and run the script directly
  • No app needed
  • Offline usage
  • Easy-to-apply
  • Free
  • Open-source

Normal — Everyday Privacy (Enterprise-Grade)​

  • Recommended for all
  • Safe for daily use
  • No impact on system stability

Read more about Normal and other protection levels

Help

How to apply "Clear recent activity" using script​

  • ≈ 2 min to complete
  • Tools: Web Browser
  • Difficulty: Simple
  • ≈ 6 instructions
  1. 1

    Choose protection

    Choose one of the options with different impact levels:

    • Normal

      Some safe changes minimal system impact.

    • High

      Some potentially impactful changes with moderate system impact.

    • Maximum

      Some impactful changes with high system impact.
  2. 2

    Download

    Download the script file by clicking on the   Apply protection  button above.
  3. 3

    Keep the file

    If warned by your browser, keep the file.
  4. 4

    Open

    Open the downloaded file.
  5. 5

    Exit

    Once it's done, press any key to exit the window.
  6. 6

    Restart

    Restart your computer for all changes to take effect.

Apply with privacy.sexy​

Guided, automated application with safety checks
  • Recommended for most users
  • Includes safety checks
  • Shows the code
  • Free
  • Open-source
  • Popular
  • Offline/Online usage
Open privacy.sexy
Help

How to apply "Clear recent activity" using privacy.sexy​

  • ≈ 3 min to complete
  • Tools: privacy.sexy
  • Difficulty: Simple
  • ≈ 4 instructions
privacy.sexy is free and open-source application that lets securely apply this action easily with more advanced options.
  1. 1

    Open or download

    Open or download the desktop application
  2. 2

    Choose script

    1. Search for the category name: Clear recent activity
    2. Check the category by clicking on the checkbox of the category.

    Applying Normal to limit the impact.

  3. 3

    Run

    Click on ▶️ Run button at the bottom of the page.

    This button only appears on desktop version (recommended). On browser, use 💾 Save button.

Explore This Guide​

  • 15 Privacy settings
  • 2 Main categories
    • These settings are organized into 2 main categories for easy navigation.
    • Each main category contains subcategories, helping you find specific settings you might want to adjust.
  • 2 Total categories

Choose what to protect based on your needs:

Click any option to learn more about what it does.

Each change can be applied and reversed individually.

  • Some settings and commands may require technical knowledge to apply correctly.
  • Most users find the Normal protection above sufficient.

Clear Quick Access lists

This category focuses on managing Jump Lists in Windows. This feature was first introduced with Windows 7 in July 2009 and has been included in subsequent versions. These lists are found in the Start Menu or Taskbar and provide quick access to recently opened files and folders. The privacy concern with Jump Lists is their detailed recording of user activities. They store data such as file names, directory paths, MAC (Modified, Accessed, Created) timestamps, network information, volume names, and...

Clear Windows Registry recent activity

This category focuses on removing specific types of usage data from the Windows Registry to enhance privacy and improve system performance. The Windows Registry is a hierarchical database that stores settings, configurations, and options for the operating system, installed applications, and user preferences. It's like a central storage system for Windows and its programs. As users interact with their system and software, usage data and traces accumulate in the registry. This information is often...

Clear recent application history

This script removes the list of recently opened applications from the Windows Registry. Windows keeps track of applications used to open or save files in the "Open" and "Save" dialog boxes. This information includes: The last program used to access files in these dialogs • Timestamps of when programs were executed (in Windows Vista and later) • The order of entries, from most recently used • The folder location of the last file accessed by each application Digital forensic analysts often use thi...

Clear Adobe recent file history

This script removes the list of recently opened files in Adobe software. Adobe programs store a list of recently used files in the Windows registry. Each entry is labeled with a timestamp and includes details about the file opened at that specific time. This information can reveal a user's file activity patterns, potentially compromising privacy. By deleting these entries, the script: 1. Enhances privacy by eliminating traces of your recent file activity in Adobe programs. 2. May slightly improv...

Clear Microsoft Paint recent files history

This script removes the list of recently used files in Microsoft Paint. When you open or save an image file in Paint ("mspaint.exe"), it adds the image to the File > Recent pictures history list. This list provides quick access to recently used files but also creates a record of your Paint usage. The Paint registry keys are created only after you use the application. These keys store information such as: File names of recently opened images • Dates when images were last closed • Other relate...

Clear WordPad recent file history

This script removes the most recently used (MRU) file list from WordPad, enhancing user privacy. WordPad stores the names and paths of recently opened files. Unlike Microsoft Office Word, WordPad doesn't offer a built-in feature to clear this list. This data can be used in forensic investigations to analyze user behavior. The stored information includes: File Name: The name of the file opened in WordPad • File Path: The complete path to the file • File Modified Date/Time: When the MR...

Clear network drive mapping history

This script removes the history of mapped network drives from your system. Windows allows users to map network drives, which assigns a drive letter to a shared folder on a remote system. This makes accessing shared resources easier, as if they were local drives. When you map a network drive, Windows stores information about it. These stored details includes: The network path (UNC) of the mapped drive • When the drive was last accessed • Other mapped drive paths While convenient, this stored info...

Clear Windows Search history

This script clears Windows search history to enhance privacy. Windows records search keywords used on your device. This data includes search terms and dates. It's used in forensic analysis to study user behavior. Clearing search history improves privacy by removing this potentially sensitive information. It may also improve system performance by freeing up storage space. Technical Details - The script enhances privacy by deleting this tracking information from the following locations: Used by Wi...

Clear recent files and folders history

This script enhances privacy by removing traces of recently accessed files and folders from the Windows system. Windows automatically tracks and stores information about files and folders accessed by users. This data is maintained in various registry keys and includes details such as file names, types, access dates, and full paths. This information persists even after the original files or folders are deleted. This data is commonly used for forensic analysis to study your behavior. It can reveal...

Clear Windows Media Player recent activity history

This script clears the recent activity history in Windows Media Player. Windows Media Player automatically stores files and URLs you recently played for easy access through the history list. It also stores recently added radio station entries. This data can be exploited by attackers to gather information about you. The script improves privacy by removing traces of your media consumption habits. It may also enhance system performance by clearing unnecessary data. This script mimics the Tools > ...

Clear DirectX recent application history

This script removes the most recent application usage data stored by DirectX to enhance privacy. DirectX is a set of Windows components that helps software (often games and multimedia applications) to work directly with video and audio hardware. It logs the most recent application data in the system registry. Attackers exploit this information to gather insights about a target's system or network. Forensic analysts use this information to study your behavior. This script enhances your privacy by...

Clear Windows Run command history

This script clears the Most Recently Used (MRU) list in Windows Run. Windows Run is a utility that allows users to quickly open programs, files, folders, and web pages. It's also known as the Windows Run dialog box, Windows Command Window, Windows Run Box, Windows Run utility, and Windows Run window. You can access it by: Pressing Windows logo key + R • Searching for Run in the Start Menu • Running specific commands: • "explorer shell:::{2559a1f3-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}" • `SYST...

Clear File Explorer address bar history

This script clears the history of paths you've typed in the File Explorer address bar. Windows stores recent paths entered in File Explorer (formerly known as Windows Explorer). This specifically targets paths that have been manually typed into the Address Bar. These can be file or folder locations. Windows saves up to 25 of these entries. The paths are saved upon closing the File Explorer window. This stored data includes: Full path typed • Date and time of entry This information may pose priva...

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About the Creators​

These people have authored this documentation and written its scripts:

  • Avatar of undergroundwires. The creator of PrivacyLearn and privacy.sexy. Black and white portrait showing a person wearing a polka dot tie and suit jacket, reflecting the professional expertise behind the privacy protection tools.
    • Certified security professional
    • 7+ years experience securing banks
    • Open-source developer since 2005
    • EU advisor, Public Speaker, Moderator
    • Hundreds across the globe
    • Testers, reviewers, developers
    • Companies, military agencies
    • Community since 2017
About Us

Reviewed By​

This guide has undergone comprehensive auditing and peer review:

  • Expert review by undergroundwires​

    • Verified technical accuracy and editorial standards
    • Assessed system impact and user privacy risks

  • Public review by large community​

    • Privacy enthusiasts and professionals peer-reviewed
    • Millions of end-users tested across different environments

History​

We continually monitor our guides, their impact and all other privacy options. We update our guides when new information becomes available. On every update, we publicly store who made the change, what has been changed, why the change was made and when the change was made.

Review Change History Our Change Process