How to Remove Recent Files from File Explorer
If you’re using Windows and have noticed that your File Explorer keeps track of your recent files, you might want to remove them for privacy reasons or to declutter your interface. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to remove recent files from File Explorer on Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Step 1: Open File Explorer
First, open File Explorer by clicking on the folder icon in the taskbar, or by pressing the Windows key + E on your keyboard.
Step 2: Access the Folder Options
Next, go to the View tab in the ribbon at the top of the File Explorer window. Click on “Options” to open the Folder Options dialog box.
Step 3: Navigate to the View Tab
In the Folder Options dialog box, select the “View” tab. This tab contains various settings related to how files and folders are displayed in File Explorer.
Step 4: Show or Hide Recently Used Files
In the “Files and Folders” section, you will find an option called “Show recently used files in Quick Access.” Uncheck this box to hide your recent files from the Quick Access area.
Step 5: Clear Recent File List
To remove the recent file list entirely, click on the “Clear” button next to “Clear recent file list.” This will remove all the entries from the recent files list.
Step 6: Apply Changes
After making these changes, click “Apply” and then “OK” to save the settings.
Step 7: Restart File Explorer
Sometimes, you may need to restart File Explorer for the changes to take effect. To do this, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, go to the “Processes” tab, find “File Explorer” in the list, right-click on it, and select “End Task.” Then, open File Explorer again by clicking on the folder icon in the taskbar.
By following these steps, you should now have successfully removed recent files from File Explorer on your Windows system. This will help keep your file management interface cleaner and more private.
