Hiding recent documents in Word is a simple task that can be completed in just a few clicks. By accessing the Word options menu, you can adjust the settings to stop showing recent documents on the start screen. This can be useful for those looking to keep their recent work private or declutter their workspace.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Hide the Recent Documents in Word
Before we dive into the steps, let’s understand what we’re trying to achieve. By following these steps, you’ll ensure that your recent documents won’t appear when you open Word. This way, your privacy is protected, and your start screen looks cleaner.
Step 1: Open Word Options
Open Word and click on ‘File’ then ‘Options’ at the bottom of the sidebar.
The ‘Options’ menu is where you can customize Word to your liking. It holds a plethora of settings that control how Word behaves.
Step 2: Go to the ‘Advanced’ Section
In the Word Options dialog box, click on the ‘Advanced’ section on the left.
The ‘Advanced’ section houses the settings that deal with how Word displays and functions more deeply.
Step 3: Scroll Down to ‘Display’
Within the ‘Advanced’ section, scroll down until you find the ‘Display’ category.
This is where you can adjust settings related to how documents are displayed in Word.
Step 4: Update the ‘Show this number of Recent Documents’ Setting
Under ‘Display’, find the setting ‘Show this number of Recent Documents’ and change the number to ‘0’.
By setting the number to ‘0’, you’re telling Word that you don’t want to display any recent documents.
Step 5: Click ‘OK’ to Save Changes
Click ‘OK’ at the bottom of the Word Options dialog box to save your changes.
Once you’ve clicked ‘OK’, the changes will take effect immediately. Your recent documents will no longer be visible on the start screen.
After you complete these steps, your recent documents list will be cleared, and Word will no longer display recently opened documents on the start screen. This change will apply until you decide to adjust the settings back.
Tips: Better Management of Recent Documents in Word
- Tip 1: Regularly clear your recent documents list if you work on sensitive documents.
- Tip 2: Use the ‘Pin’ feature to keep important documents easily accessible without cluttering your recent list.
- Tip 3: Consider using different user profiles if multiple people use the same device to keep documents private.
- Tip 4: Remember that hiding recent documents in Word does not delete them; they are still accessible through file explorer.
- Tip 5: You can also hide recent documents by using Word in Private mode, which won’t record any of your activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will hiding recent documents delete them?
No, hiding recent documents does not delete them. It only prevents them from appearing in the recent list.
Can I still access my recent documents after hiding them?
Yes, you can still access your recent documents by navigating to their saved locations in your file explorer.
Is it possible to hide recent documents for specific documents only?
No, the setting applies to all documents. To keep certain documents accessible, consider using the ‘Pin’ feature.
Can I hide recent documents in other Office applications?
Yes, similar settings are available in other Office applications like Excel and PowerPoint.
Does hiding recent documents affect all users on the same computer?
No, the settings only apply to your user profile unless you change the settings for all profiles.
Summary
- Open Word Options
- Go to the ‘Advanced’ Section
- Scroll Down to ‘Display’
- Update the ‘Show this number of Recent Documents’ Setting
- Click ‘OK’ to Save Changes
Conclusion
Hiding recent documents in Word is a great way to maintain privacy, especially when you’re using a shared computer or simply prefer a minimalistic start screen. The process, as outlined above, is straightforward and quickly accomplished. It’s a small change that can make a significant impact on your user experience with Word. Plus, it’s always good to know that you have control over what’s displayed and what’s kept private. For those who regularly work with sensitive information, this feature provides an extra layer of security. Remember, the key to mastering any software is understanding its settings and customizing it to fit your workflow. So, take a moment to explore other settings in Word that could further enhance your productivity. And always remember, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started, the power to tailor Word to your needs is right at your fingertips.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.