How to Disable Recent Files in Windows 10
In today’s digital age, privacy and security are paramount. Windows 10, being one of the most widely used operating systems, comes with several features that can compromise your privacy. One such feature is the recent files list, which keeps track of the documents, apps, and other files you’ve recently accessed. If you’re concerned about your privacy or simply want to declutter your system, you might want to disable this feature. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to disable recent files in Windows 10.
Step 1: Open File Explorer
To begin, open File Explorer by clicking on the folder icon on your taskbar or by pressing the Windows key + E.
Step 2: Navigate to the Folder Options
In the File Explorer window, click on the “View” tab at the top of the ribbon. Then, click on “Options” in the upper-right corner of the window.
Step 3: Go to the View Tab
In the Folder Options window, click on the “View” tab at the top.
Step 4: Uncheck “Show recently used files in Quick Access and on the Start menu”
In the “Advanced settings” section, scroll down until you find the “Show recently used files in Quick Access and on the Start menu” option. Uncheck this option to disable the recent files list.
Step 5: Apply and Close
Click “Apply” to save the changes, and then click “OK” to close the Folder Options window.
Step 6: Restart File Explorer (Optional)
To ensure that the changes take effect, you can restart File Explorer. To do this, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, go to the “Processes” tab, right-click on “File Explorer,” and select “Restart.”
Now, the recent files list should be disabled in Windows 10. This will help protect your privacy and keep your system cleaner. If you ever decide to enable the feature again, simply repeat the steps above and check the “Show recently used files in Quick Access and on the Start menu” option.
