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Clear WordPad recent file history

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Works with Windows 10 and 11

  • Windows only
  • Single action
  • Impact: Safe
  • Batch (batchfile)
  • Administrator rights required
  • Irreversible

Overview

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 1 2. Unlike Microsoft Office Word, WordPad doesn't offer a built-in feature to clear this list 1. This data can be used in forensic investigations to analyze user behavior 1.

The stored information includes:

  • File Name: The name of the file opened in WordPad 1 2
  • File Path: The complete path to the file 1
  • File Modified Date/Time: When the MRU registry key was last changed 1
  • Registry or MRU Order: The order of file access, with 1 being the most recent 1
  • Value Name: The record's associated value in the registry key 1

The recent files list updates only when the WordPad application is closed 1.

WordPad is removed from all editions of Windows starting with Windows 11, version 24H2 3. Therefore, this script may not apply to the latest Windows versions.

This script deletes all registry values under the HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Applets\Wordpad\Recent File List registry key 1 2. By doing so, it removes traces of your recent WordPad activity, improving your privacy.

Caution

Clearing the recent files list may hinder quick access to your frequently used WordPad documents, potentially affecting your workflow efficiency.

Tips & Tricks

    Safe for General Use

    All actions in this script is recommended for all users.

    It helps to improve privacy without affecting stability.

    Irreversible Changes

    This script is irreversible, meaning there is no straightforward method to restore changes once applied.

    Consider creating a system restore point before doing any changes.

Apply Now

Choose one of three ways to apply:

Download script

Download and run the script directly
Direct application
Offline usage
Easy-to-apply

How to download and run
  1. Download the script file by clicking on the  
    Apply protection
      button above.
  2. If warned by your browser, keep the file.
  3. Open the downloaded file.
  4. Once it's done, press any key to exit the window.
  5. Restart your computer for all changes to take affect.

Apply with privacy.sexy

Guided, automated application with safety checks
Recommended for most users
Includes safety checks

Open privacy.sexy

How to use privacy.sexy

privacy.sexy is free and open-source application that lets securely apply this action easily with optionally more advanced options.

  1. Open or download the desktop application
  2. Search for the script name: Clear WordPad recent file history.
  3. Check the script by clicking on the checkbox.
  4. Click on Run button at the bottom of the page.

Run commands

Copy and run commands manually
Requires technical knowledge
Apply changes
:: Clear registry values from "HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Applets\Wordpad\Recent File List" 
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$rootRegistryKeyPath = 'HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Applets\Wordpad\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"
How to run commands
  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.

    Step-by-step guide
    1. Click on Start menu

    2. Type cmd

    3. Right click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator

    4. Click on Yes to allow the app to make changes.


    Animated demonstration of opening Command Prompt as administrator in Windows 11
  2. Right click on command prompt to paste it.
  3. Press Enter to apply remaining code.
  4. Copy the code above.
  5. Paste the code into Command Prompt.
  6. Press Enter to apply the code.
  7. Optionally, restart your computer.
    Some scripts requires restarting your computer to take affect.

Similar Guides

Guides below work together with this guide to protect your privacy.

This action belongs to Clear recent activityThis 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 ... Read more on category page ▶