[How To] Clear Address Bar History For File Explorer In Windows 10

This registry workshop will show you how to clear address bar history for File Explorer in Windows 10/8.1/8 and Windows Explorer in Windows 7.

Kapil Arya
11x Microsoft MVP · Admin
2 min read
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Earlier, we’ve shared you this guide to clear Run history in Windows 10. Today, in this article, we’ll share you the steps to clear address bar history for File Explorer in Windows 10/8.1/8 and Windows Explorer in Windows 7.

Actually, the File or Windows Explorer remembers typed paths, so that it will help you to access addresses or file locations quickly with the usage. These remembered paths constitute the address bar history. If you’ve multiple user managed system and you’re concerned with your privacy, you might want to clear out address bar history.

How To Clear Address Bar History For File Explorer In Windows 10

You can use either of the methods mentioned below, to erase address bar history.

How To Clear Address Bar History For File Explorer In Windows 10/8/7

Method 1 – Via Folder Options

1. Press W8K + E to open File Explorer.

2. Under File Explorer ribbon, click View > Options > Change folder and search options.

How To Clear Address Bar History For File Explorer In Windows 10

3. In Folder Options window, under General tab, hit the Clear button next to Clear File Explorer history label. This should immediately clear address bar history.

How To Clear Address Bar History For File Explorer In Windows 10

You can now close File Explorer and return to Desktop, if you like.

Method 2 – Via Registry

Registry Disclaimer: The further steps will involve registry manipulation. Making mistakes while manipulating registry could affect your system adversely. So be careful while editing registry entries and create a System Restore point first.

1. Press W8K + R and put regedit in Run dialog box to open Registry Editor (if you’re not familiar with Registry Editor, then click here). Click OK.

Windows 10 Registry Editor

2. In left pane of Registry Editor window, navigate to following registry key:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\TypedPaths

How To Clear Address Bar History For File Explorer In Windows 10

3. In the right pane of TypedPaths registry key, delete all the registry strings (REG_SZ) except (Default). For each of these strings, you’ll receive following confirmation prompt in which you’ve to select Yes, every time.

How To Clear Address Bar History For File Explorer In Windows 10

Once you’re done, close Registry Editor and reboot your machine. This should delete all the remembered typed paths and clear address bar history for File Explorer.

How To Clear Address Bar History For File Explorer In Windows 10

That’s it!

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Article by

Kapil Arya
11x Microsoft MVP · Admin

Kapil holds Microsoft MVP title in Windows IT Pro expertise, 11-times in a row (2014-2025). He is 8-times Windows Insider MVP as well, and author of 'Windows Group Policy Troubleshooting' book. In 2015, Microsoft India accomplished him as 'Windows 10 Champion'. Being passionate Windows blogger, he loves to help others on fixing their system issues. Kapil has worked with official Microsoft Community Engagement Team (CET) on several community projects. You can subscribe him for news/updates and fixes for Windows.

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