Clear Explorer Search History in Windows 7
If you search for something in Windows Explorer, Windows 7 stores the search query in its history. If you go back at a later time interval, you’ll find your previous searches listed there.
How to clear search history in Windows 7?
You can delete previous searches done in Windows 7 Explorer using the registry. Here’s how you can do that:
- Press Win+R and type regedit. Hit Enter. If the UAC prompts you, click Yes.
- Go to the key
HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerWordWheelQuery - Right click on ‘WordWheelQuery’ and choose the Delete option. Click Yes in the confirmation dialog.
- Close the Registry Editor
You will no longer see previous search queries in Windows Explorer. Your search history has been completely deleted.
I’ve recorded a screencast showing the entire process. Here’s the video:
Disclaimer: If you’re going to use the registry editor to clear recent searches in Windows Explorer in Windows 7, use it at your own risk. The author is not responsible for any damage caused.
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YAY!
thanks a bunch!
Brady
7 May 09 at 3:26 am
Thanks Man..that was gr8…
Ank
13 May 09 at 8:26 pm
Great man thanks… really helpful
Harravi
19 Jun 09 at 7:45 pm
too easy, cheers!
Daz
3 Aug 09 at 10:16 am
Just highlight the item and press the delete button on your keyboard LOL!!!
LOL!!!
30 Aug 09 at 7:07 am
ye, its not there, so what now? and yes i looked in the right place before anyone says owt.
erm!!!
8 Sep 09 at 6:15 pm
I do not have the last item the wordwheelquerry option. I watched the video and everything. Now what?
Nick
24 Nov 09 at 3:08 am
Hello!
Is it possible to retain the deleted ‘WordWheelQuery’? I mean does it completely erases the search history or temporarily?
Zaidad
28 Nov 09 at 4:59 am
Thanks alot!
Cal
12 Dec 09 at 3:54 am
There is an easier way than editing your registry. Simply open an explorer window and click on the search box. The list of previously searched items will be displayed. Press the down arrow button to select the first item and press delete. That one item will be deleted. Hold delete to scroll through and delete the rest of the entries.
dan
15 Dec 09 at 1:41 am
Thank you Dan
Sam
3 Jan 10 at 3:37 am
Hah! That kills me! Delete… who woulda thunk it… awesome.
Scooby
17 Mar 10 at 11:14 am
HELP…… both didnt work for me…………
rich
1 Apr 10 at 12:25 pm
i did the same but could not delete browsing history,
i’m using windows 7 internet explorer 8. after deleting by doing all these steps still when i type in the address bar it shows all the links, please tell me if someone have the solution
tak
2 May 10 at 5:24 pm
works like a charm. thanks!
vincenzo
3 May 10 at 6:24 pm
Awesome man! Thanks a lot, really appreciate it!
zmarine44
7 May 10 at 9:00 pm
as per Dan said, navigate on the search suggestion box with the keyboard arrows, and press delete
even easier solution
17 Jul 10 at 12:49 am