Alex Ruben
How To Clear Run Dialog Entries on Windows Server for Enhanced Privacy
Figured out how to scrub the Windows Run dialog history on Windows Server, especially if you’re tired of peering over commands you’ve typed months ago. The Run dialog, which pops up with Windows + R, is handy for getting stuff done fast, but it keeps a record of everything you enter. In shared environments, that’s kinda shady and can leak sensitive commands or info. So yeah, clearing that out can save some embarrassment, or just keep things tidy.
Before diving in, make sure you’ve got admin rights on your Windows Server—whether it’s 2019 or 2022. You’ll need access to the Registry Editor, which is usually straightforward, but don’t go wild deleting stuff unless you’re sure.
Step 1: Open the Registry Editor
This part is pretty standard:
- Hit Windows + R to open the Run box.
- Type
regeditand press Enter. - If UAC pops up asking for permission, click Yes. No biggie.
Note: Sometimes, on certain setups, regedit can be finicky. A reboot or running as administrator can help if it refuses to open.
Step 2: Find the RunMRU Key
Once inside, you need to get to the right registry spot:
- Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\RunMRU
- Or, if you’re quick with the clipboard, just copy and paste that path into the address bar of the registry editor window, and _bam_ you land there.
This key holds all your past commands (A, B, C, and so on). On some setups, the path can be slightly different, but generally, it’s in that neighborhood.
Step 3: Delete the Run History Entries
Here’s the fun part—cleaning out the entries:
- Look for all the text-type values, usually labeled with single letters—A, B, C…
- Select them all—hold down Shift or Ctrl if you’re feeling picky—and then right-click and choose Delete.
- Confirm when prompted — don’t worry, it’s reversable if you backed up first.
Pro tip: Keep the Default entry intact; that’s the container, not a command.
Step 4: Clear MUList & Reset
Also, it’s worth deleting the MUList value inside the same key. That one tracks command order and sometimes makes the list come back even if you delete the other entries. Usually, just deleting all the above except Default does the trick, then restart or not — depends.
Sometimes, this step isn’t needed. Just deleting the command entries works fine, but if commands keep lingering, delete MUList too.
Step 5: Close & Recheck
Close the registry editor (it saves automatically). To verify, hit Windows + R again, and see if your old commands are gone. If they’re gone, good job.
On some strange setups, the history might still linger until you log out or restart, so do that if needed.
Extra Tips & Troubleshooting
Here’s what’s helped in the past:
- Backup the registry before messing with it—the File > Export option in regedit is your friend.
- If the RunMRU key isn’t there, double-check you’re in HKEY_CURRENT_USER. Different user, different registry, you know how Windows likes to make things complicated.
- Be careful not to delete anything else – Windows doesn’t like that, and you might end up with more trouble than you bargained for.
- If the registry feels too risky, try to perform this in a sandbox or test environment first.
After these steps, the run command history should be wiped clean. Privacy maintained, clutter gone, and you can run commands with fresh memory. Not sure why Windows doesn’t just let you clear this stuff from the GUI, but hey, registry hacks are sometimes the only way in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I restore the deleted Run history?
Not unless you have a registry backup from before. So, really, double-check before deleting.
Is editing the registry safe?
It can be risky, for sure. If you’re not comfortable, consider backing up first or using scripts from reputable sources. Always proceed with caution — Windows doesn’t make this a one-click operation for a reason.
Will this clear history for all users?
Nope. Because this is in HKEY_CURRENT_USER, it only affects whoever is logged in. Other users have their own records.
Summary
- Back up your registry before messing around.
- Navigate carefully to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\RunMRU.
- Delete all entries except
Default. - Close the registry editor and check if the commands are gone.
Hopefully this shaves off a few hours for someone. Because yeah, Windows has to make it harder than necessary sometimes.