This study investigates the nanoscopic tribological characteristics of Zr-based metallic glass (MG) surfaces after cryogenic cycling treatment (CCT). The research aims to understand the friction mechanisms induced by cryogenic rejuvenation, which is known to enhance plasticity. Using atomic force microscopy (AFM), the study conducted nanoscopic wear tests on MG surfaces with different CCT cycles. After 100 cycles of CCT, the MG exhibited the highest adhesion and ploughing frictions but significantly improved anti-wear properties. Adhesion tests and molecular dynamics simulations revealed that the increased adhesion is due to the dominance of liquid-like regions in the CCT-treated MGs, while the reduced hardness and weak elastic recovery led to deteriorated ploughing friction. The enhanced plasticity effectively dissipates strain from the AFM tip through multiple shear bands, weakening adhesion during deformation and improving wear resistance. This study provides insights into the promoting effect of CCT on the anti-wear performance of MGs, which is valuable for developing novel alloys.This study investigates the nanoscopic tribological characteristics of Zr-based metallic glass (MG) surfaces after cryogenic cycling treatment (CCT). The research aims to understand the friction mechanisms induced by cryogenic rejuvenation, which is known to enhance plasticity. Using atomic force microscopy (AFM), the study conducted nanoscopic wear tests on MG surfaces with different CCT cycles. After 100 cycles of CCT, the MG exhibited the highest adhesion and ploughing frictions but significantly improved anti-wear properties. Adhesion tests and molecular dynamics simulations revealed that the increased adhesion is due to the dominance of liquid-like regions in the CCT-treated MGs, while the reduced hardness and weak elastic recovery led to deteriorated ploughing friction. The enhanced plasticity effectively dissipates strain from the AFM tip through multiple shear bands, weakening adhesion during deformation and improving wear resistance. This study provides insights into the promoting effect of CCT on the anti-wear performance of MGs, which is valuable for developing novel alloys.