Unlock the Secrets: How to Clear History on Surface Pro Effortlessly

Are you looking to clear your browsing history on your Surface Pro? Maybe you’re worried about privacy, want to start fresh with a clean slate, or simply want to declutter your digital footprint. Whatever the reason, knowing how to clear your history on a Surface Pro is a valuable skill.
This guide will walk you through the various ways to clear your browsing history on a Surface Pro, covering everything from clearing your recent browsing activity to deleting your entire browsing history across different browsers. We’ll also touch upon clearing other types of history, like your search history and download history, ensuring you have a comprehensive understanding of how to regain control of your digital footprint.

Clearing Your Browsing History in Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge is the default browser on Surface Pro devices. Here’s how to clear your browsing history in Edge:
1. Open Microsoft Edge: Click the Edge icon on your taskbar or search for it in the Start menu.
2. Access History: Click the three dots in the top-right corner of the browser window and select “History.”
3. Choose What to Clear: In the “History” menu, you’ll see a list of your recent browsing activity. You can select specific items to clear or click “Clear browsing data” to clear everything.
4. Select Time Range: Choose the time range for the data you want to clear. Options include “Last hour,” “Last day,” “Last week,” “Last month,” and “All time.”
5. Choose Data to Clear: Select the types of data you want to clear, such as browsing history, download history, cookies, cache, and passwords.
6. Clear Data: Click “Clear now” to confirm your selection and clear the chosen data.

Clearing Your Browsing History in Chrome

If you prefer using Google Chrome on your Surface Pro, here’s how to clear your browsing history:
1. Open Chrome: Click the Chrome icon on your taskbar or search for it in the Start menu.
2. Access History: Click the three dots in the top-right corner of the browser window and select “History.”
3. Clear Browsing Data: Click “Clear browsing data” in the left-hand menu.
4. Choose Time Range: Select the time range for the data you want to clear. Options include “Last hour,” “Last day,” “Last week,” “Last month,” and “All time.”
5. Choose Data to Clear: Select the types of data you want to clear, such as browsing history, download history, cookies, cache, and passwords.
6. Clear Data: Click “Clear data” to confirm your selection and clear the chosen data.

Clearing Your Search History

Your search history tracks every search query you’ve entered in your browser’s search bar. Here’s how to clear your search history in Microsoft Edge:
1. Open Microsoft Edge: Click the Edge icon on your taskbar or search for it in the Start menu.
2. Access History: Click the three dots in the top-right corner of the browser window and select “History.”
3. View Search History: Click “Search history” in the left-hand menu.
4. Clear Search History: Click the three dots next to each search query and select “Remove.” To clear all your search history, click “Clear all search history” at the top of the page.

Clearing Your Download History

Your download history keeps track of every file you’ve downloaded using your browser. Here’s how to clear your download history in Microsoft Edge:
1. Open Microsoft Edge: Click the Edge icon on your taskbar or search for it in the Start menu.
2. Access History: Click the three dots in the top-right corner of the browser window and select “History.”
3. View Download History: Click “Downloads” in the left-hand menu.
4. Clear Download History: Click the three dots next to each downloaded file and select “Remove.” To clear all your download history, click “Clear all download history” at the top of the page.

Clearing Your Cookies and Cache

Cookies and cache are small files stored on your device that help websites load faster and remember your preferences. Clearing them can help improve your browsing experience and enhance your privacy. Here’s how to clear your cookies and cache in Microsoft Edge:
1. Open Microsoft Edge: Click the Edge icon on your taskbar or search for it in the Start menu.
2. Access Settings: Click the three dots in the top-right corner of the browser window and select “Settings.”
3. Privacy, Search, and Services: Click “Privacy, search, and services” in the left-hand menu.
4. Clear Browsing Data: Click “Choose what to clear” under “Clear browsing data.”
5. Choose Data to Clear: Select “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files.”
6. Clear Data: Click “Clear now” to confirm your selection and clear the chosen data.

Beyond Browsing History: Other Types of History

While browsing history is a significant part of your digital footprint, other types of history can also be cleared for a more comprehensive digital detox. Here are some additional options:

• Windows Search History: Windows keeps track of your search queries within the Start menu and File Explorer. To clear your Windows search history, open the Start menu, click on the “Search” icon, and select “See all search history.” Click the three dots next to each search query and select “Remove.” To clear all your search history, click “Clear search history.”
• Cortana History: Cortana, Microsoft’s voice assistant, also stores your voice search history. To clear your Cortana history, open the Cortana app, click on the “Settings” icon, and select “Clear my search history.”
• Microsoft Account History: Your Microsoft account stores information about your activity across various Microsoft services, including your browsing history, search history, and cloud storage usage. To clear your Microsoft account history, visit the Microsoft Account website and log in. Click on “Privacy” and then “Activity history.” You can view and delete your activity history from here.

A Fresh Start: Embracing Digital Cleanliness

Clearing your history on your Surface Pro is a simple yet powerful way to regain control of your digital footprint. Whether you’re concerned about privacy, looking to start fresh, or simply want to declutter your digital life, these steps will help you achieve a clean slate and enjoy a more secure and personalized browsing experience.
Remember, regular digital cleanup is essential for maintaining privacy and ensuring a smooth browsing experience. By following these steps and exploring the various options for clearing your history, you can take control of your digital world and embrace a fresh start.

Questions You May Have

1. Does clearing my browsing history delete my bookmarks?
No, clearing your browsing history does not delete your bookmarks. Bookmarks are stored separately and can be accessed even after clearing your history.
2. Will clearing my browsing history affect my saved passwords?
Clearing your browsing history will not affect your saved passwords. Passwords are stored separately and are not affected by clearing your history.
3. Is it safe to clear my browsing history?
Yes, clearing your browsing history is safe and does not harm your device or data. It simply removes the record of your browsing activity.
4. How often should I clear my browsing history?
There’s no set frequency for clearing your browsing history. You can do it as often as you like, depending on your preferences and privacy concerns. Some people choose to clear their history regularly, while others prefer to do it less frequently.
5. What happens to my browsing history after I clear it?
Once you clear your browsing history, it is permanently deleted from your device. However, your internet service provider (ISP) may still have a record of your browsing activity.