Where is the list of files and folders stored when you start typing c: in the run command?


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ricardobohner

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When I type c: or c in the run command I get a big list of files and folders like in the image below:

paths.webp

Does anyone know where this list of files and folders is stored so I can erease it?

I already tried looking in RunMRU in the registry but they are not there it seems to be another list. When I set the following registry key to "no" the list is not shown:

HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Autocomplete -> autosuggest = no

But the list is also not erased because when I remove the registry key (autosuggest) or set it to yes the list of files is back. A lot of these files and folders don't even exist anymore but are still listed there.
 

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This tutorial will show you how to clear the Run (Win+R) and File Explorer (Win+E) typed, recent items, and frequent places history for your account in Windows 11.
Click to expand...

www.elevenforum.com

Clear File Explorer History in Windows 11

This tutorial will show you how to clear the Run (Win+R) and File Explorer (Win+E) typed, recent items, and frequent places history for your account in Windows 11. Clearing your File Explorer history deletes the information Windows saved about the files and folders you use as well as what...
www.elevenforum.com www.elevenforum.com
 
Last edited:

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ricardobohner said:
When I type c: or c in the run command I get a big list of files and folders like in the image below:



Does anyone know where this list of files and folders is stored so I can erease it?

I already tried looking in RunMRU in the registry but they are not there it seems to be another list. When I set the following registry key to "no" the list is not shown:

HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Autocomplete -> autosuggest = no

But the list is also not erased because when I remove the registry key (autosuggest) or set it to yes the list of files is back. A lot of these files and folders don't even exist anymore but are still listed there.
Click to expand...
show.webp
 

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Settings, Privacy & security, General and untick the box for " Let Windows improve Start and search results by tacking app launches". Close settings. Check 'run' if any history is still showing.
Turn the setting back on if you want 'run' to start recording the history again.

Snipaste_2026-01-15_11-37-40.webp
 

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@antspants: Thanks, the option 3 from the tutorial you linked: (bat file) has an option that seems to remove the list: rundll32inetcpl.cpl,ClearMyTracksByProcess 1, but I don't know why since I never use Internet Explorer and very rarely Microsoft Edge, why would it be related to IE options?

@OAT Thank you, but this option was already unticked

@Fabler2 Thank you, but I don't know how this could be related since the list I was talking about contains only files and folders and not apps.
 

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ricardobohner said:
...I already tried looking in RunMRU in the registry but they are not there it seems to be another list. ...
Click to expand...
Well, that is where I find 'my' list:
mru.webp

Note that the 'MRUList' entry has an alphabetic list, which shows the most recently used commands in order. The most recent entry but one (r) was not found elsewhere in the registry. Regedit is the most recent, as I used it to grab the screen shot.

Update: Sorry, I am on W10, W11 may be different (but I doubt it).
 

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Code: 
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\RunMRU
 

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  • Like
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ricardobohner said:
@antspants: Thanks, the option 3 from the tutorial you linked: (bat file) has an option that seems to remove the list: rundll32inetcpl.cpl,ClearMyTracksByProcess 1, but I don't know why since I never use Internet Explorer and very rarely Microsoft Edge, why would it be related to IE options?
Click to expand...

Theres this thing we say here: “In Brink we trust” Well, I say it.

The tutorial is sound. Microsoft ties settings to other settings in the worst way, disable one thing, break another.
With the file/run history, it’s tied to other apps and settings.

The bat file is fine, the tutorial is sound, Brink is a legend.
 

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Right-Click Tools provides an option to clear the auto-suggest items

RightClickTools

Add a Set of Powerful Tools to the Windows Explorer Context Menu
lesferch.github.io
 

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