Before knowing the implication of such stored data, it would be helpful to know what these history tracks are all about. When you browse various online sites, your browser records every single action of yours. This means that a variety of data are saved in the computer that consist of websites visited by you, search strings used by you in the search engines and much more. Though the storage of such information may speed up your web surfing, it can be a potential threat to your privacy as anyone having access to your computer can view the Internet files used by you, thereby knowing what you have been doing during your online visits to various websites. You would surely not want to let the snoopy eyes of these people know every detail about your browsing habits. So, the best way to keep your data private and put a stop to such invasion on your privacy is to delete these stored data before shutting down your PC.

Windows history may also compromise your privacy by allowing people to see what you have done offline. When you delete some files or documents, remember that they are moved into the Recycle Bin and are not completely deleted from the computer. Anyone can restore them from the Recycle Bin and know about your sensitive data. So, you should clear the Recycle Bin to safeguard your privacy.

Windows stores a record of programs that you have run by clicking the Start Menu and then using the Run option. Unless you clear this list, any person can get to see what programs you have run.

Another threat to your privacy is the “Files & Folders” search history stored in Windows. When you click the “Search” alternative in the Start Menu, a list of the last files searched by you is kept in Windows. Even a list of what items you have searched for is saved. Anyone who starts a new search would be able to see this search history that’s saved in Windows. Even when such information isn’t exposed in the “Search results” window, a Windows registry keeps a record of it that can be viewed easily by anyone having access to the computer.

Application history keeps a log of various applications that you have opened and worked with.

It is pretty evident that you need to erase Internet history, Application history and Windows history from your computer to avoid your privacy from being compromised and avoid sensitive data and information going into the wrong hands that may jeopardize your career, business or personal life.