Win+R history cannot be cleared on Windows 11 25H2 (26200.8894) – all MRU sources already wiped

NPLGlitcherPatcher 350 Reputation points
2026-07-22T13:33:17.23+00:00

Below is the complete list of actions I have already performed while trying to clear the Win+R (Run dialog) history on Windows 11 25H2 (build 26200.8894).

Despite completing all of these steps, the Run dialog still shows previous entries.

  1. Cleared RunMRU registry key

I verified and confirmed that the RunMRU key is completely empty:

HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\RunMRU

→ RunMRU key was already empty.

  1. Cleared TypedPaths registry key

I verified and confirmed that the TypedPaths key is empty:

HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\TypedPaths

→ TypedPaths key was empty.

  1. Deleted the entire Recent folder

I removed all items inside:

%APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Recent\

→ Recent folder fully cleared.

  1. Deleted AutomaticDestinations folder

I removed all .automaticDestinations-ms files:

%APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Recent\AutomaticDestinations\

→ AutomaticDestinations fully cleared.

  1. Deleted CustomDestinations folder

I removed all .customDestinations-ms files:

%APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Recent\CustomDestinations\

→ CustomDestinations fully cleared.

  1. Cleared Quick Access history

I used File Explorer Options → Privacy → Clear:

→ Quick Access history cleared.

  1. Verified Explorer cache folder

I checked:

%LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer\

This folder only contains iconcache and thumbcache files.

There is no file related to Run dialog history.

→ Explorer cache irrelevant to Win+R history.

  1. Checked Shell folder

I checked:

%LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\

This folder is completely empty on my system.

No ShellInputHistory.db or similar files exist.

→ Shell folder empty.

  1. Checked SearchApp LocalState folder

I checked:

%LOCALAPPDATA%\Packages\Microsoft.Windows.Search_cw5n1h2txyewy\LocalState

This folder does not exist on my system.

Therefore no inputhistory.db, searchhistory.db, etc.

→ SearchApp LocalState not present.

Despite clearing:

RunMRU

TypedPaths

Recent

AutomaticDestinations

CustomDestinations

Quick Access

Explorer cache

Shell folder

SearchApp LocalState

The Run dialog still shows previous entries, even though all known MRU sources are empty or deleted.

This suggests that Windows 11 25H2 may be storing Run dialog history in a new, undocumented location, or the history may be regenerated by a background component.

What should I do next?

Could Microsoft please confirm where Win+R history is stored in Windows 11 25H2, and provide the correct method to fully clear it?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Desktop, Start, and personalization | Other
0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
Ramesh 181.6K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
2026-07-22T17:39:40.0433333+00:00

I checked your screenshot. The entries are coming from the IE history.

From Command Prompt, run this command to clear it:

rundll32.exe inetcpl.cpl,ClearMyTracksByProcess 1

See also How to Turn off File Path URI history in Run Dialog

Standard Disclaimer: There is a link to a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to provide accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

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  1. SD - IA 179.4K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-07-22T14:10:17.84+00:00

    Hi,

    I am not aware of any changes made by Windows 11 25H2.

    Via https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/6712-clear-file-explorer-run-dialog-box-history-windows-10-a.html#option2
    Can you try the Batch file here, as it worked for me?

    User's image

    You must restart File Explorer from the Task manager for the Batch file to work.

    I look forward to hearing from you to get the results of the troubleshooting.

    A Windows MVP writes content on the above website, so it is safe. However, do watch out for the ads. It should translate into your Browser language automatically.

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  2. SD - IA 179.4K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-07-22T16:23:49.2633333+00:00

    Hi,

    I just ran the script, and the history got cleared. I am on version 25H2 Insider.

    Maybe you should run the script instead of manually using commands. With manual typing, there is always a chance of Typo.

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