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


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.

 
Last edited:

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    ...Where's my horse?
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.
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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Windows 10
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...I already tried looking in RunMRU in the registry but they are not there it seems to be another list. ...
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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@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?

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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    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 Build 26200.8894Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-4770K CPU @ 3.50GHz32.0 GB of I forget and the box is in storage.Gigabyte nVidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super OC 6GB
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    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 Build 26200.8894
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    Sin-built 2013
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-4770K CPU @ 3.50GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus VI Formula
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    32.0 GB of I forget and the box is in storage.
    Graphics Card(s)
    Gigabyte nVidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super OC 6GB
    Sound Card
    ROG SupremeFX Formula 8-Channel High Definition Audio
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    5 x LG 25MS500-B - 1 x 24MK430H-B - 1 x Wacom Pro 22" Touch Screen Tablet
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    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 Build 26200.8894 (Wifes)13th Generation Intel® Core™ i5-1340P Process...16GB LPDDR5-52001x Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics
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    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 Build 26200.8894 (Wifes)
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    LENOVO Yoga 7 14IRL8 - Type 82YL
    CPU
    13th Generation Intel® Core™ i5-1340P Processor(Core™ i5-1340P)
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    1x Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics
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    Optimized with Dolby Atmos®
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    Hard Drives
    M.2 512 GB SSD PCIe
    Mouse
    Logiteck MX Master 3S
    Internet Speed
    2000/500
    Antivirus
    Defender / Malwarebytes
    Other Info
    …still on a horse.


    Wireless Network: Wi-Fi 6E 2x2 AX; Bluetooth® 5.1 or above
    Ports: 1x 1 Novo button; 2 in 1 Audio Combo jack; Micro SD Card Reader; HDMI 1.4b; 2 x USB Type-C (TBT4)
    USB 3.2 Gen 2 DP 1.4a
    PD 3.0); 1 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type A
    Camera
    1x 1080P FHD IR/RGB Hybrid with Privacy Shutter and Dual Array Microphone
    Graphics
    1x Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics
    Monitor
    14" WUXGA
    Form Factor
    Convertible Notebook
  • Windows 11 Pro 25H2 Build 26200.8894 (Wifes)

    Yoga 7 2-in-1 14IML9 - Type 83DJ

    Processor: Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 155H Processor(Core™ Ultra 7 155H)

    Memory: 32GB LPD5X-7467

    Hard Drive: 1 TB SSD PCIe

    Wireless Network: 1x Wi-Fi 6E 2x2 AX; Bluetooth® 5.1 or above

    Ports: 1 x HDMI 2.1 TMDS; 1 x Novo Button; 1 x Combo Audio Jack
    2 x USB-C (USB 4.0)
    1 x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1

    Camera: 1080P FHD IR Hybrid with Dual Microphone

    Graphics: Intel® Arc™ Graphics

    Monitor: 14" 2.8K

    ...Where's my horse?
Right-Click Tools provides an option to clear the auto-suggest items
 

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