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Clear Microsoft Paint recent files history

Overview​

About this script

This script improves your privacy on Windows.

These changes use Windows system commands to update your settings.

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 1. This list provides quick access to recently used files but also creates a record of your Paint usage 1 2.

The Paint registry keys are created only after you use the application 2.

These keys store information such as:

  • File names of recently opened images 2
  • Dates when images were last closed 2
  • Other related data 2

This information can be used to:

  • Track your Paint usage patterns
  • Provide evidence in forensic investigations to study your behavior 2

By clearing this list, you:

  • Enhance your privacy by removing traces of your Paint activity
  • Reduce the risk of others seeing your recently edited images
  • May slightly improve system performance by clearing unnecessary data

This action doesn't affect your saved files, only the record of recently used files in Paint.

The script deletes all registry values under HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Applets\Paint\Recent File List registry key 1 2.

Caution

Removing recent file history in Paint will delete the list of recently edited images, requiring manual reopening of these files.

This script uses Batch (batchfile) scripting language.

Safe for General Use

This script is recommended for all users. It helps to improve privacy without affecting stability.

Implementation Details

  • Language: batch

  • Required Privileges: Administrator rights

  • Compatibility: Windows only

  • Reversibility: Some changes may be permanent

Explore Categories​

This action belongs to Clear recent activity category. 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... 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 Microsoft Paint recent files history.
  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 Command Prompt as administrator.
HELP: Step-by-step guide

  1. Click on Start menu

  2. Type cmd

  3. Right click on Command Prompt select Run as administrator

  4. Click on Yes to run Command Prompt

Animation showing how to open terminal as administrator on Windows 11

  1. Copy the following code:
Code to apply changes
:: Clear register values from "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Applets\Paint\Recent File List" 
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$rootRegistryKeyPath = 'HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Applets\Paint\Recent File List'; function Clear-RegistryKeyValues { try { $currentRegistryKeyPath = $args[0]; Write-Output "^""Clearing registry values from `"^""$currentRegistryKeyPath`"^""."^""; $formattedRegistryKeyPath = $currentRegistryKeyPath -replace '^([^\\]+)', '$1:'; if (-Not (Test-Path -LiteralPath $formattedRegistryKeyPath)) { Write-Output "^""Skipping: Registry key not found: `"^""$formattedRegistryKeyPath`"^""."^""; return; }; $directValueNames=(Get-Item -LiteralPath $formattedRegistryKeyPath -ErrorAction Stop | Select-Object -ExpandProperty Property); if (-Not $directValueNames) { Write-Output 'Skipping: Registry key has no direct values.'; } else { foreach ($valueName in $directValueNames) { Remove-ItemProperty -LiteralPath $formattedRegistryKeyPath -Name $valueName -ErrorAction Stop; Write-Output "^""Successfully deleted value: `"^""$valueName`"^"" from `"^""$formattedRegistryKeyPath`"^""."^""; }; Write-Output "^""Successfully cleared all direct values in `"^""$formattedRegistryKeyPath`"^""."^""; }; } catch { Write-Error "^""Failed to clear registry values in `"^""$formattedRegistryKeyPath`"^"". Error: $_"^""; Exit 1; }; }; Clear-RegistryKeyValues $rootRegistryKeyPath"
  1. Right click on command prompt to paste it.
  2. Press Enter to apply remaining code.

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