How to Get Rid of Recent Files in File Explorer
In today’s digital age, our computers are filled with a plethora of files, documents, and other digital assets. While this can be beneficial for productivity, it can also lead to clutter and confusion. One common issue that many users face is the presence of recent files in the File Explorer. These recent files can be distracting and may even compromise your privacy. In this article, we will discuss how to get rid of recent files in File Explorer on both Windows and macOS.
On Windows
If you are using Windows, you can easily clear your recent files by following these steps:
1. Open File Explorer by clicking on the folder icon on the taskbar or by pressing the Windows key + E.
2. In the upper-right corner of the File Explorer window, click on the “View” tab.
3. In the “Layout” group, click on the “Options” button.
4. In the “Options” dialog box, select the “Change folder and search options” option.
5. In the “Folder Options” dialog box, go to the “View” tab.
6. Under the “Files and Folders” section, check the box next to “Do not show recently used files in Quick access.”
7. Click “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes.
By following these steps, you will disable the display of recent files in the File Explorer on your Windows computer.
On macOS
For macOS users, the process is slightly different. Here’s how to remove recent files from the Finder:
1. Open Finder by clicking on the Finder icon in the Dock or by pressing Command + Space and typing “Finder.”
2. Go to the “Finder” menu at the top of the screen and select “Preferences.”
3. In the “Finder Preferences” window, click on the “General” tab.
4. Under the “Show these items in the sidebar” section, uncheck the box next to “Recent Items.”
5. Click “OK” to save the changes.
By doing this, you will prevent recent files from appearing in the Finder sidebar on your Mac.
Additional Tips
If you want to ensure that your recent files are completely removed from the File Explorer or Finder, you can also delete the corresponding cache files. Here’s how to do it:
1. On Windows, navigate to the following directory: C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Recent.
2. Delete the contents of this folder, which will remove recent files from the File Explorer.
1. On macOS, navigate to the following directory: ~/Library/Caches/com.apple.Finder.
2. Delete the contents of this folder, which will remove recent files from the Finder.
Remember to back up any important files before deleting the cache, as this action is irreversible.
In conclusion, getting rid of recent files in File Explorer or Finder is a straightforward process that can help you maintain a cleaner and more organized digital workspace. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily remove recent files and improve your overall computing experience.
