Quickly clear File Explorer search history using the Clear button in Folder Options.

Remove every saved search term by deleting the WordWheel

Query registry key (with backup).

Use a Power

Shell one-liner to automate clearing search history.

Optionally disable recent search suggestions via Group Policy (Pro/Enterprise).

Know the difference between File Explorer search history and Start menu search history.

Why this matters

File Explorer remembers what you type into its search box so you can reuse queries faster. That’s convenient—until it isn’t. Maybe you’ve searched for sensitive filenames, shared your PC, or just want a clean slate. This tutorial shows multiple ways to clear (and optionally disable) that history in Windows 11, from the simplest click-only method to registry and Power

Shell approaches. Each step is designed to be safe and straightforward, with notes to help you avoid common pitfalls.

Method 1: Clear history from Folder Options (fastest)

This is the quickest way to remove File Explorer’s stored entries and other Explorer history (like “Quick access” recent items).

  1. Open File Explorer.
  2. Click the three dots (…) in the toolbar and choose Options.
  3. In the General tab, under Privacy, select Clear next to “Clear File Explorer history.”
  4. Click OK.

Notes:

  • This clears a range of Explorer history items, including recent files/folders and address bar history. It also typically clears File Explorer search history. Microsoft community guidance references this approach and the modern location of the Options button in Windows 11’s toolbar see community context on the Options placement in Windows 11.

If you still see old search suggestions after this, use Method 2 or 3 to directly remove the underlying registry entries.

Method 2: Delete File Explorer search history via Registry (complete reset)

File Explorer stores search terms under a per-user registry key called WordWheelQuery. Deleting it removes all saved searches for your account.

Important: Editing the registry can affect your system. Create a restore point or export the key before making changes.

Registry path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\WordWheelQuery

Steps:

1) Close all File Explorer windows.

2) Press Windows+R, type regedit, and press Enter.

3) Navigate to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer

4) Right-click the WordWheel

Query key and choose Export to back it up. 5) Right-click WordWheel

Query and select Delete. Confirm. 6) Sign out and back in, or restart Explorer, to apply.

For background, Windows forensics and Windows tips resources document WordWheel

Query as the store for File Explorer search queries, making it the definitive place to clear them at the source (WordWheel Query overview, clear Windows search history guide).

Tip: If you prefer, you can delete only specific values inside WordWheel

Query rather than removing the entire key. Windows will recreate the key as needed.

Method 3: Power

Shell one-liner (automated)

If you’re comfortable with PowerShell, this command removes the WordWheel

Query key for your user in one go:

Run Power

Shell as administrator (Start > type PowerShell > Run as administrator).

Paste and execute:

Remove-Item -Path "HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\WordWheelQuery" -Recurse -Force

Then restart File Explorer or sign out/in.

This performs the same action as Method 2 programmatically, ensuring all saved File Explorer searches are cleared.

Optional: Turn off recent search entries entirely (Pro/Enterprise/Education)

If you don’t want File Explorer to remember or surface recent searches at all:

  • Open Local Group Policy Editor: Press Windows+R, type gpedit.msc, press Enter.
  • Go to: User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > File Explorer
  • Double-click “Turn off display of recent search entries in the File Explorer search box.”
  • Set it to Enabled and click OK.
  • Restart File Explorer or sign out/in.

This policy hides recent search entries, offering a “privacy by default” experience. It’s frequently referenced by Windows admins and Group Policy guidance resources under that exact policy name.

Note for Home edition: The Local Group Policy Editor isn’t available in Windows 11 Home. You can still periodically clear history using Method 1–3. Admins can apply the same setting centrally via domain/Intune policy on managed machines.

Troubleshooting and tips

Don’t confuse histories: File Explorer search history is separate from the Start menu/Bing search history controlled under Settings > Privacy & security > Search permissions. The steps above target File Explorer specifically.

Clear didn’t remove everything? Close all File Explorer windows and try Method 2 or 3, which targets the exact registry key storing search terms.

Explorer still shows old suggestions? Make sure you deleted WordWheel

Query under HKEY_CURRENT_USER (not Local Machine), and restart Explorer or sign out/in afterwards.

  • Your PC doesn’t show any past searches: On some builds, File Explorer may stop remembering searches due to settings, policy, or occasional regressions. Microsoft community threads have discussed this behavior in recent Windows 11 versions (discussion). If you prefer privacy, that might be a feature; if you want history, check the Group Policy setting above and ensure no privacy utilities are disabling it.

Conclusion: Pick the approach that fits your workflow

  • Want a quick cleanup? Use the Clear button in Folder Options.
  • Need a complete, guaranteed reset? Delete the WordWheel

Query key (Registry or PowerShell).

  • Prefer not to keep search history at all? Enable the Group Policy to turn off recent search entries.

With these options, you can control exactly what File Explorer remembers—and what it doesn’t—so your system stays tidy, private, and predictable.