Windows Media Player keeps a history of recently accessed music, video and other media files, as well as URLs. This feature is usually a convenience. But if you share your computer with friends, family members or coworkers, Media Player history may be leaving behind information about your habits you would prefer not to share. Clearing Media Player's history will help you maintain your privacy.

Media File History

Media Player keeps track of recently used media files and URLs. This information is used to provide a list of recently opened files in the File menu and a list of recently visited URLs in the Open URL dialog.

Clear File History

Clearing Media Player history manually is appropriate when you don't mind having the history available while you're using Media Player--but you want it cleared when you're done. Clear the history in Media Player's Options. Click "Tools" and select "Options..." to access the Options dialog. Click the "Clear History" button in the History panel on the Privacy tab. Optionally, click the "Clear Caches" button to remove cached album art, device connection history and similar information.

Disable History

Disable Media Player history tracking completely if you don't want the history available while you're using Media Player, or if you share the computer frequently. Disable History tracking in Media Player's Options. On the Privacy tab, uncheck the option labeled "Save file and URL history of the Player."

Recommendations

Make it a habit to clear Media Player's history and close Media Player every time you're finished using the computer. Windows Media Bonus Pack features a Power Toy that makes manually clearing history easier. Consider using software that can automatically clear Media Player history for you, such as NetEraser or Clear All History.

Considerations

Online media launched from a web browser may leave history and cache files behind. Use your browser's privacy settings to clear the browsing history and cache. Windows will add files opened in Media Player to the Recent Documents folder in the Start menu. Customize Window's Start Menu Properties to clear and disable the Recent Documents folder.

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Protecting Your Privacy in Windows Media Player