12 Must-Run CMD Commands to Erase All Cyber Footprint on Windows Computer

Step-by-Step Tutorial: Erasing Your Cyber Footprint on Windows

1. Securely Overwrite Deleted Data on Your Hard Drive

• Open Command Prompt as an administrator by typing "CMD" in the search bar and selecting "Run as administrator."
• Type the command: c:\> cipher /w:C\ (Replace "C" with the appropriate drive letter)
• This command writes random data to the free space on your drive, ensuring that previously deleted files cannot be recovered.

2. Remove Traces of Your Internet Activity

• Type the command: ipconfig /flushdns
• This command clears the DNS resolver cache, removing traces of websites you have visited.

3. Clear Windows Event Logs

• Type the command: wevtutil cl system
• This clears the Windows system event log, erasing records of system activity.

4. Clear Browser Cache for Edge

• Type the command: Rundll32.exe InetCpl.cpl,ClearMyTracksByProcess 255
• This command deletes browsing history, cache, cookies, and other data that can track your online activities.

5. Delete the USN Journal

• Type the command: fsutil usn deletejournal /D /N C:
• This command disables and deletes the Update Sequence Number (USN) Journal, removing a record of file and folder changes.

6. Delete Temporary Files

• Type the command: del /f /s /q %temp%
• This command forcefully deletes all files in the temporary files directory, reducing leftover data from various applications.

7. Disable Hibernation

• Type the command: powercfg /hibernate off
• Disabling hibernation prevents attackers from accessing the hiberfil.sys file, reducing the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive data.

8. Reset IPv4 Settings

• Type the command: netsh interface ipv4 reset
• This command resets IPv4 configuration settings, removing any saved network configuration and associated history.

9. Clear Print Cache

• Type the command: del /q /s %systemroot%\system32\spool\printers\*
• Deleting print spooler files ensures no traces of printed documents are left on your system, protecting your privacy.

10. Disable Windows Telemetry

• Type the command: reg add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\DataCollection" /v AllowTelemetry /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f
• Disabling Windows telemetry prevents detailed information about your device usage from being collected and sent to Microsoft.

11. Clear Prefetch Files

• Type the command: del /q /s %systemroot%\Prefetch\*
• Deleting prefetch files makes it harder for someone to trace what applications you have used, reducing your cyber footprint.

12. Disable Windows Error Reporting

• Type the command: reg add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Windows Error Reporting" /v Disabled /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
• Disabling Windows error reporting prevents your system from sending error reports and diagnostic information to Microsoft.

By following these 12 commands, you can effectively erase your cyber footprint on your Windows computer and enhance your privacy and security.