Browser History Remover V2 - Complete Documentation

Overview

Browser History Remover V2 is a powerful NVDA add-on designed to help you manage and delete browsing history across multiple web browsers from a single, accessible interface. Instead of opening each browser individually and navigating through settings menus, this add-on lets you handle everything directly from within NVDA.

Version 2 introduces significant improvements, including a configuration system that remembers your preferences, the ability to backup history before deletion, and a quick removal feature that lets you clear your default browser's history with a single keyboard shortcut.

One important capability of this add-on is its ability to clear local history data even when you are signed into your browser account. Whether you use Chrome Sync, Firefox Sync, or similar services, this tool effectively removes local traces of your browsing activity.


What is New in Version 2


Supported Browsers

The add-on supports history removal for the following browsers:

Chromium-Based Browsers

Firefox-Based Browsers

Other Browsers

Important: This add-on removes local browsing history stored on your computer. It does not delete history that has been synced to cloud services like Google Account or Firefox Sync. To completely clear your browsing footprint, you should also manage your sync settings within the browser itself.


Getting Started

Opening the Main Dialog

There are two ways to open Browser History Remover:

The Main Dialog

When you open the add-on, you will find a straightforward interface:


Configuration Options

Press Alt+C from the main dialog or activate the Configurations button to access the settings panel.

Copy Browser History Before Deletion

When this checkbox is enabled, the add-on creates a backup of your browser history files before deleting them. The backup is saved to:

C:\Users\YourUsername\Downloads\browser_history_remover\history\BrowserName\

This feature is useful if you want to preserve a record of your browsing history or need to recover deleted data later.

Default Browser for Quick Remove

Select your preferred browser from the dropdown list. This browser will be used when you press the quick remove shortcut (NVDA+Alt+D), allowing you to delete history instantly without opening any dialogs.

Note Panel

The configuration dialog includes an informational note that displays which browser is set for quick removal. This panel can receive keyboard focus for screen reader users.

Saving Your Settings

Your settings are stored using NVDA's configuration system and persist across restarts.


Keyboard Shortcuts

Global Shortcuts

Shortcut Action
NVDA+Alt+B Open the Browser History Remover dialog
NVDA+Alt+D Quick remove history for your default browser

Main Dialog Shortcuts

Shortcut Action
Alt+D Delete history for the selected browser
Alt+C Open the configuration dialog
Ctrl+F Move focus to the browser list
Ctrl+Q or Escape Close the dialog

Configuration Dialog Shortcuts

Shortcut Action
Alt+S Save settings
Alt+C or Escape Cancel and close

You can customize the global shortcuts through NVDA Preferences, then Input Gestures, under the Browser History Remover category.


Using Quick Remove

The quick remove feature is designed for users who frequently clear their browsing history and want to do so as efficiently as possible.

  1. First, open the configuration dialog and select your preferred default browser.
  2. Optionally, enable the backup option if you want copies of your history saved before deletion.
  3. Save your settings.
  4. From now on, simply press NVDA+Alt+D to instantly clear history for that browser.

When you use quick remove, the add-on will speak status messages to keep you informed:


How It Works

The add-on locates browser data directories in the Windows AppData folders and removes files associated with browsing history. Different browsers store their data in different locations:

Chromium-Based Browsers

These browsers store data in the Local AppData folder. The add-on targets files and folders including History, Cookies, Cache, Web Data, Favicons, Top Sites, Shortcuts, Visited Links, and various cache directories.

Firefox-Based Browsers

These browsers use profile folders in the Roaming AppData directory. The add-on removes places.sqlite (which contains history and bookmarks data), form history, session data, and cache folders.

Before attempting deletion, the add-on checks whether the target browser is currently running. If it is, you will receive a warning and the deletion will not proceed until you close the browser.


Installation

  1. Download the browserHistoryRemover.nvda-addon file from the distribution source.
  2. Open NVDA and go to Tools, then Add-on store.
  3. Click the Install button and browse to the downloaded file.
  4. Select the file and confirm the installation.
  5. Restart NVDA when prompted to complete the installation.

  6. Or, You can install the Add-on directly from the NVDA add-on store.


Version Information


Important Notes and Disclaimers


Troubleshooting

History deletion fails

Make sure the browser is completely closed, including any background processes. Some browsers continue running in the background even after you close the main window. Check your system tray or use Task Manager to ensure the browser process has ended.

Browser shows as not installed

The add-on checks standard installation paths. If you have installed a browser in a non-standard location, the add-on may not detect it. Currently, custom installation paths are not supported.

Settings are not saving

Ensure you click the Save button in the configuration dialog. Pressing Escape or Cancel will discard your changes.


Developer Information

Developed by: Sujan Rai

Email: allcontentnepali@gmail.com

Community Channel: https://t.me/blindtechvisionary

For bug reports, feature requests, or general feedback, feel free to reach out through email or join the Telegram channel for updates and discussions.


License

This add-on is released under the GNU General Public License version 2, consistent with the NVDA add-on ecosystem and open source principles.


Browser History Remover V2 - Efficient, accessible browser history management for NVDA users.