How to View More Than 20 Recent Files in Windows 10: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to View More Than 20 Recent Files in Windows 10

Windows 10, by default, shows you your 20 most recent files, but sometimes you need a little more history. Here, you’ll learn how to display more than 20 recent files using quick and easy steps. Just follow along, and you’ll be able to access a longer list of your most recent files in no time.

How to View More Than 20 Recent Files in Windows 10

In the steps below, you’ll be modifying some settings to increase the number of recent files displayed by Windows 10. This way, you won’t have to worry about losing track of important documents after opening just a few new files.

Step 1: Open File Explorer

First, open File Explorer by clicking on the folder icon in the taskbar or pressing the Windows + E keys.

File Explorer is your gateway to all files and directories on your computer. It’s the main tool for navigation and file management.

Step 2: Access Folder Options

Next, click the "View" tab at the top of the File Explorer window and then click on "Options" on the far right.

The Folder Options menu lets you customize how files and folders are displayed and accessed. This is where you can adjust settings for recently used files.

Step 3: Adjust Privacy Settings

In the Folder Options window, find the Privacy section at the bottom. Here, you will see checkboxes for "Show recently used files in Quick access" and "Show frequently used folders in Quick access." Ensure both are checked.

These boxes must be checked to modify how recent files are displayed. If they’re not checked, your changes won’t take effect.

Step 4: Clear Recent Files History

Click on the "Clear" button under the Privacy section to clear your current history.

Clearing the history ensures that your new settings start fresh, without any clutter from previously opened files.

Step 5: Modify the Registry

Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog, type "regedit," and press Enter. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerAdvanced. Right-click on the right pane, choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it "JumpListItems_Maximum." Double-click it and set the Value data to a number higher than 20.

Modifying the registry allows you to override the default settings and increase the recent files list limit. Be careful when making changes to the registry as incorrect modifications can cause issues.

After these steps, when you open File Explorer, you should see more than 20 recent files in Quick access, depending on the number you set in the registry.

Tips to View More Than 20 Recent Files in Windows 10

• Keep File Explorer up to date to ensure all features work correctly.
• Frequently clear your recent files history to avoid clutter.
• Use third-party software if you need more advanced file management options.
• Backup the registry before making any changes to prevent system issues.
• Regularly check for Windows updates to maintain system performance and stability.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I revert the changes if I don’t see more than 20 recent files?

Simply go back into the registry editor and delete the "JumpListItems_Maximum" entry or set its value back to 20.

Will increasing the recent files limit slow down my computer?

Generally, no. However, displaying a very large number of recent files could make File Explorer slightly slower.

Can I set different recent files limits for different user accounts?

Yes, but you’ll need to make the registry changes separately for each user account.

Is there a maximum limit for recent files I can set?

While you can set a high number, extremely large values might not be practical and could affect performance.

Will modifying the registry affect other system functions?

If you only change the specified value, it shouldn’t affect other system functions. Always back up the registry before making changes.

Summary

1. Open File Explorer
2. Access Folder Options
3. Adjust Privacy Settings
4. Clear Recent Files History
5. Modify the Registry

Conclusion

Knowing how to view more than 20 recent files in Windows 10 can be a real game-changer, especially if you frequently work with a multitude of documents. By following the steps outlined, you’ll have greater flexibility and access to your recent files, making your workflow smoother and more efficient.

Remember, while the process involves modifying the registry, it’s a straightforward task if you follow the instructions carefully. Plus, the benefits of having an extended list of recent files far outweigh the small effort required to set it up. If you found this guide helpful, consider exploring other ways to optimize your Windows 10 experience.

So, now that you’re equipped with this knowledge, go ahead and make your recent files more accessible! If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out. Happy computing!