How to Permanently Delete Browsing History on Windows 10 & 11?

Summary: As browsing history shows your online activity, like the sites you have visited and search queries. Just by deleting them from the browser will remove them from view. But the traces will remain on your hard drive. So, if you are the one who wants complete privacy. Then, this article will show how to permanently delete browsing history on Windows 10 & 11. By coming to the end of the article, you will be able to know both manual and secure methods to clear your history fully.

Why Permanently Deleting Browsing History is Important?

Just by simply deleting history from your browser will not be enough to permanently delete files on your computer. So, here are the key reasons why it is important to securely delete browsing history from a hard drive:

1. If you just delete your browsing data, it can still be recovered, which risks exposure to the sensitive data stored on your computer.
2. Browsing data like cached files and cookies can take up large storage space. Delete your browsing history at regular intervals.
3. Clearing browsing data regularly helps your system run more smoothly as it takes more space as it increases.
4. It becomes very important to completely delete your browsing history. When you are planning to sell or give away your device to someone stranger.

How to Permanently Delete Browsing History on Windows 11 & 10 – Manual Methods

In this guide, we will explore different ways how to delete browsing history on Windows 11 and 10. So, pay attention and follow the steps for each browser to ensure full deletion.

#1. Deleting Browser History Using Browser Settings

Each browser lets you clear browsing data from your device. Here are the proper steps for each browser to clear your search history permanently. Also, to make sure that the data is no longer stored in your browser location:

Permanently Delete Search History on Google Chrome

Here, we will cover how to permanently delete search history from your system in Google Chrome. Let’s know them below:

1. Firstly, open the Google Chrome on your system. After that, click on the three dots visible on the screen.
2. Then, open the browser window, go to the following order >>> Settings > Privacy and Security > Clear all the data recorded for your browsing session <<<<.
   
3. Specify which Time range, excluding browsing data, Connected devices, and any other information that you wish to delete.
4. Now, click on Delete Data.
   

How to Delete Search History in Microsoft Edge? Know Here

Here, in this part, you will know how to permanently delete browsing history in Microsoft Edge. So, that the user doesn’t face any problems and do it in one go:

1. Firstly, open Edge, and click the three dots in the top right.
2. Go to Settings > Privacy, search, and services.
   
3. Under Clear browsing data, click Choose what to clear.
   
4. Now, select Browsing History and other options, then click Clear Now.
   

Note:This only clears history from the browser interface. Follow additional steps for a full wipe.

#2. Permanently Deleting Browsing Data from Hard Drive

In this section, we will look into the process for removing the browsing history from the hard disk completely:

1. First of all, you have to hit the combination key Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Then, type %appdata% in the box that appears and hit the Enter key.
   
3. Then, open the folders of your respective browsers (For instance, Google > Chrome or Microsoft > Edge)
4. Now, find and delete folders like Cache, History, and Local Storage to clear browsing data.

#3. Permanently Delete Browsing History Using Disk Cleanup

This is the method by which you can delete your browsing history using the clean up disk utility. Follow the given below steps to fully wipe your browsing data that are stored on your system:

• Firstly, open the Start menu and type “Disk Cleanup“.
  
• Then, choose the drive (usually C:).
  
• Check “Temporary files” and “Internet cache“.
  
• Click OK, then select “Delete Files“.
  

How to Permanently Delete Browsing History? – Automated Solution

Your browsing history tracks the websites you have searched or visited. Which can ultimately affect your privacy if it goes into the wrong hands. It can be like selling your device, getting it repaired by someone, or just wanting to clear your digital footprint. It’s important to permanently delete your history. Regular methods might only remove visible history, but using SysTools Data Files Shredding Software ensures you that all the traces are gone for good.

Steps to Use the Tool to Completely Wipe Browsing History on Your PC:

1. Begin by heading towards the Start Menu. After that, go to All Programs → SysTools Data Wipe Software. Right-click on it → Open.
   
2. Tap on Select Folder/ Select File as per your Need.
   
3. Browse to wipe the specify folder from the source location. For instance – in the case of Google Chrome, Navigate to

Windows:

C:\Users\<YourUsername>\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\History

Mac:

/Users/<YourUsername>/Library/Application Support/Google/Chrome/Default/History

4. Then, click on the Next button to begin the scanning process.
   
5. Now, Choose the appropriate data-wiping method.
   
6. Henceforth, tap on the Wipe tab.
   

7. On completion of the process, you will be shown the details of the deleted folder.
   

Conclusion

So, in this article, we have discussed the various methods on how to permanently delete browsing history on Windows 11 & 10. Which helps to protect your privacy, free up storage, and keep your sensitive data safe. Follow these steps to remove browsing data, and for extra security, you can go with our unique solution to overwrite deleted files quickly and efficiently.