How to Delete the Internet Explorer History on a PC

Microsoft's Internet Explorer Web browser saves a log of the websites you visit and files you download. You can view this history in the Internet Explorer window, which can be useful if you need to access a website you previously visited. Of course, the history function can also be a privacy concern, particularly if you share your computer with other people. You can delete the Internet Explorer history and other private data using a tool built into Internet Explorer.

Instructions

1. Click "Start," click "All Programs" and click "Internet Explorer."

2. Click the gear-shaped "Tools" button at the upper-right corner of the Internet Explorer window.

3. Point the mouse cursor to "Safety" and click "Delete Browsing History."

4. Select which types of private data you want to delete by clicking the checkboxes to the left of each. Ensure the checkboxes to the left of "History" and "Download History" are checked.

5. Click the "Delete" button at the bottom of the Delete Browsing History window.

Tips & Warnings

• Internet Explorer contains a private browsing feature known as InPrivate Browsing. Internet Explorer doesn't store your browsing history or other private information during an InPrivate Browsing session. Start InPrivate Browsing by clicking the "Tools" button, clicking "Safety" and clicking "InPrivate Browsing."

References

• Microsoft: How to Delete Your Browsing History in Internet Explorer 9
• Microsoft: Protect Your Privacy Using Internet Explorer 9