How to Disable Recent Files in Windows 10: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Disabling Recent Files in Windows 10 can help you maintain privacy and keep your Start Menu and Quick Access clutter-free. All you need to do is tweak a few settings in the Windows 10 interface. Here’s a straightforward guide to get you through it.

Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Disable Recent Files in Windows 10

We’ll walk you through the steps to disable recent files in Windows 10. These simple steps will prevent your recent files from showing up in the Start Menu and the Quick Access section of File Explorer.

Step 1: Open File Explorer

First, open File Explorer by clicking on its icon on the taskbar or pressing the Windows key + E.

This will open a new File Explorer window, which is crucial for changing the settings we need to adjust.

Step 2: Access Folder Options

Next, click on the “View” tab at the top of the File Explorer window. Then, select “Options” on the right side of the toolbar to open the Folder Options dialog.

Folder Options allow you to customize how your files and folders are displayed and managed in Windows.

Step 3: Navigate to the Privacy Section

In the Folder Options dialog, go to the “Privacy” section located at the bottom.

This section contains settings specifically related to the display of recent files and folders.

Step 4: Uncheck Recent Files Options

Uncheck both “Show recently used files in Quick access” and “Show frequently used folders in Quick access” options.

By unchecking these boxes, you prevent Windows from displaying your recent files and frequently used folders.

Step 5: Apply and Save Changes

Finally, click “Apply” and then “OK” to save your changes.

This will ensure your settings are updated, and recent files will no longer appear in Quick Access.

After completing these steps, you will no longer see recent files in the File Explorer and Start Menu. Your recent activities will remain private and your Quick Access section will be less cluttered.

Tips for Disabling Recent Files in Windows 10

• Clear File Explorer History: Before changing settings, clear current history by clicking "Clear" in the Privacy section of Folder Options.
• Restart Your PC: Sometimes, changes take full effect after a system reboot.
• Check Other Accounts: If multiple accounts are on your PC, ensure each account has the same settings.
• Use Group Policy Editor (Pro users): For more granular control, you can use the Group Policy Editor if you have Windows 10 Pro.
• Stay Updated: Keep Windows updated to ensure all settings are applied correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens to my recent files after disabling them?

They won’t be displayed in Quick Access or the Start Menu, but they will still be available in their respective folders.

Can I still access recent files if I need to?

Yes, you can navigate to the individual folders where the files are stored or use search.

Does this setting affect all users on my PC?

No, you need to change the settings for each user account individually.

Will this impact system performance?

No, disabling recent files does not affect system performance.

Can I re-enable recent files later?

Yes, just follow the steps again and check the boxes you unchecked earlier.

Summary

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Access Folder Options.
3. Navigate to the Privacy section.
4. Uncheck recent files options.
5. Apply and save changes.

Conclusion

Disabling recent files in Windows 10 is a simple yet effective way to maintain your privacy and keep your interface tidy. This guide has walked you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you can easily make these changes. By following these steps, you ensure a more private and organized system environment. Remember, you can always revert these changes if needed. For further reading, you might want to explore more advanced privacy settings in Windows 10. Happy computing!