Clear WordPad recent file history
- 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.
Clearing the recent files list may hinder quick access to your frequently used WordPad documents, potentially affecting your workflow efficiency.
Tips & Tricks
All actions in this script is recommended for all users.
It helps to improve privacy without affecting stability.
This script is irreversible, meaning there is no straightforward method to restore changes once applied.
Apply Now
Choose one of three ways to apply:
How to download and run
- Download the script file by clicking on the button above.
- If warned by your browser, keep the file.
- Open the downloaded file.
- Once it's done, press any key to exit the window.
- Restart your computer for all changes to take affect.
Apply with privacy.sexy
Guided, automated application with safety checksHow to use privacy.sexy
privacy.sexy is free and open-source application that lets securely apply this action easily with optionally more advanced options.
:: 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
Open Command Prompt as administrator.
Step-by-step guideClick on Start menu
- Windows 11
- Windows 10
Type cmd
- Windows 11
- Windows 10
Right click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator
- Windows 11
- Windows 10
Click on Yes to allow the app to make changes.
- Windows 11
- Windows 10
- Windows 11
- Windows 10
- Right click on command prompt to paste it.
- Press Enter to apply remaining code.
- Copy the code above.
- Paste the code into Command Prompt.
- Press Enter to apply the code.
- 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.
- Clear recent activity
- Privacy cleanup
This action belongs to Clear recent activity. 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 ... Read more on category page ▶
This action belongs to Privacy cleanup. To maintain data confidentiality through secure privacy control, this code breaks down key components of how to privacy cleanup Windows. Important to mention, to undo and reset to previous, follow the instructions on this user configuration walks you through. With data management, we stand against the ... Read more on category page ▶