Windows Explorer, the default file browser in all Windows operating systems since Windows 95, keeps track of your file-browsing history. Searches you've recently typed into the address bar are recalled and used to auto-complete the next time you type something similar. There's no straightforward way to delete this history, but it can be done with some know-how.

Windows Explorer History

Deleting the history from Windows Explorer is a tad complex, but doable. Click "Start," then "Run." Type "regedit" (without quotes) to open the registry editor. Browse to "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\TypedPaths" and you'll see all your recent Windows Explorer history items. Delete any specific items you want excluded from your Windows Explorer history, or remove them all by clicking "Ctrl-A" to highlight everything. Then press "Delete."

Run Dialogue History

"Windows Explorer history" can also refer to the history of items typed in the "Run" dialogue box. That's the window that pops up when you press the Windows key and "R," or you click "Start" followed by "Run." Deleting this history is similar to the earlier history we covered. This time, look for the registry component "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\RunMRU." Delete items just as we did earlier.

Internet Explorer History

Microsoft's web browser is less integrated with Windows Explorer than it was during the anti-trust hayday of the late 1990s, but some still confuse the two programs. If you're looking to clear your browsing history in your Internet Explorer web browser, that's simple---no registry editing required. If you're using Internet Explorer 6 or older, click "Internet Options" in the control panel, then the "General" tab and finally "Clear History." In IE 7 or newer, click "Tools," then "Delete Browsing History," then click the "Delete history" button.

Source:

AskVg: How to Remove Items from Addressbar in Windows Explorer

TechSupportForum.com: Remove Autocomplete Items

Microsoft.com: How to clear the History in Internet Explorer