How to Delete Run Command History from Windows 7 and later Windows Editions?

Delete Run Command History

You must have a long list of commands listed in your run command dialog box (Win + R). However, you have the option to delete the run command history of your Windows within a few moments, if required.

The Run command box helps users to quickly type commands and reach their destination. For example, such as Windows settings, application or a document whose path is known.

Initially, the run command box was introduced from Windows 95 and still persists with Windows 11.

run command history in windows

The Windows Run Command box is the most useful tool in any of your Windows operating systems.

In addition, the run command dialog box allows you to open website URL’s directly to your default web browser by using the HTTP protocol.

For example, type http://www.example.com or www.example.com in your Run box and hit OK or Enter.

[Read: Important Run Commands for Windows you Should Know]

Backup Windows Registry Editor

It is a good habit, whenever we are going to perform some of the tasks in Windows registry, it is always suggested to backup Windows registry to prevent any mishappening.

Though, the steps given in this post won’t harm anything. It won’t take more than a minute to back up your Windows registry.

[Read: Backup Windows Registry within a Quick Minute]

Clear Run Command List with Registry Editor

This article will show how you can clear or delete used command history from the run dialog box using the Windows registry editor.

Step 1. First, open the Windows registry editor. Likewise, we will use the run command to open the registry editor.

Press Win + R to open the run dialog box and type, regedit then hit OK.

Step 2. Navigate to the following path:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\RunMRU

Once you have selected RunMRU key, in the right pane, you will see a list of run commands that you have used in the run dialog box.

list of run commands in registry

Step 3. So, in order to remove or delete the run command history of your Windows, follow the steps below:

All of the used commands are listed in alphabetical order (i.e., a, b, c, d, e, f, g and so on)

You can remove it by selecting all of them at once. Else select them one-by-one by hitting the delete key from the keyboard.

Alternatively, you can select all of them at once or select them one-by-one and then right-click and select the Delete option.

Caution: Make sure you shouldn’t select MRUList and (Default) key values while performing the below task.

run command history in windows registry

Step 4. By using any of the ways to delete commands (delete button on keyboard or right-click and select delete), you will get a confirmation prompt. Click Yes to continue.

Close the Windows registry editor.

delete run command history with registry editor

As a result of your above action, it will do an immediate effect and clear the run command history from your run dialog box. To check this, go back to the run dialog box and see, you won’t find any commands listed there.

remove run command history

Now onwards, as soon as you start using more commands in run dialog box, it will create another story in your Windows registry editor.

Do you want to remove them again? Follow the procedure above and go back to the given path then perform the same task to delete the run commands history.

Delete Run Command History from Windows Share on X

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