How to Delete Auto Complete in Windows

Delete your Auto Complete history to keep your information private.

The AutoComplete feature automatically predicts words and phrases that it thinks you might want to type in. This is helpful at times, but it can be a nuisance if you have a shared computer, because it bases its predictions on previously entered words or phrases. Other users can see what you have entered, and that can compromise your security. The process of deleting the AutoComplete history from your Windows based PC depends on what type of web browser you use.

Instructions

Internet Explorer

1. Open the Internet Explorer web browser.

2. Click on "Tools" in the top menu bar. Select "Internet Options" from the drop-down menu.

3. Click on the "Content" tab in the Internet Options dialog box, and then click "Settings" under the "AutoComplete" section.

4. Click on the "Delete AutoComplete history" button. Prevent AutoComplete from saving your information in the future by removing the check marks in the appropriate boxes.

Firefox

1. Open the Firefox web browser.

2. Click on the "Tools" option in the top menu bar. Select "Clear Recent History" from the drop-down menu.

3. Select "Everything" in the "Time Range to Clear" drop-down menu.

4. Click on the arrow next to "Details," and clear the check marks from all of the boxes except "Form & Search History." If you leave the check marks inside the other boxes, Firefox will erase that history as well.

References

• Microsoft Support: How to use the AutoComplete feature
• Mozilla: Form AutoComplete