Windows ShellBags are a fascinating, and often overlooked, aspect of Windows operating systems. They store information about the appearance and layout of folders you've viewed in File Explorer. While designed to improve user experience by remembering your preferred folder views, they also raise privacy concerns. This article explores ShellBags, their function, and whether privacy tools like BleachBit effectively remove them.
ShellBags are essentially records maintained by the Windows operating system that capture the following:
This information is stored in the Registry, specifically under the HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\Bags and HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\BagMRU keys.
While ShellBags are intended to enhance usability, they also present potential privacy risks because they retain a history of accessed folders. This data can reveal:
The question of whether tools like BleachBit delete ShellBags has been raised within the open-source community. Whether a privacy tool deletes shellbags depends on its programmed functionalities and definitions.
If you're concerned about ShellBag privacy, you can clear them manually using the Registry Editor, although this involves risks and can destabilize your system if performed incorrectly. Always back up your registry before attempting this.
Windows key + R, type regedit, and press Enter.HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\Bags and HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\BagMRU.Bags and BagMRU keys, and select "Delete."Alternative Method:
reg delete "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\Bags" /f
reg delete "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\BagMRU" /f
It's worth noting that ShellBags can be valuable artifacts in digital forensics investigations. Forensic analysts can use ShellBag data to:
Windows ShellBags offer convenience by remembering folder view preferences, but they also raise legitimate privacy concerns. While tools may offer varying degrees of ShellBag removal functionality, understanding their nature and knowing how to clear them manually provides users with greater control over their digital footprint.
