How to Hide Recent Files in Windows 10
In today’s digital age, privacy is a crucial concern for many users. One common concern is the visibility of recent files on Windows 10. Whether you want to keep your personal documents private or simply prefer a cleaner interface, hiding recent files can be a helpful solution. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to hide recent files in Windows 10.
Step 1: Open File Explorer
The first step to hide recent files is to open File Explorer. You can do this by clicking on the folder icon on the taskbar, pressing the Windows key + E, or searching for “File Explorer” in the Start menu.
Step 2: Access Settings
Once File Explorer is open, click on the three dots in the upper-right corner to access the settings menu. From there, select “Settings.”
Step 3: Navigate to the Privacy Section
In the Settings window, click on “Privacy” on the left-hand side. This will open a list of privacy-related settings.
Step 4: Manage Your Activity History
Scroll down the privacy settings list until you find the “Activity history” section. Click on it to expand the options.
Step 5: Turn Off Activity History
In the “Activity history” section, you will see a toggle switch for “Let Windows collect my activities from this device.” Turn off this switch to disable activity history tracking.
Step 6: Hide Recent Files
To hide recent files, you can also disable the “Show recently opened files in File Explorer” option. Simply toggle this switch to the off position.
Step 7: Confirm Changes
After making these changes, click “OK” to confirm your settings. The recent files feature will now be disabled, and your recent files will no longer be visible in File Explorer.
Additional Tips
– If you want to hide recent files from the Quick Access section in File Explorer, you can right-click on any file in Quick Access and select “Don’t show in Quick Access.”
– To hide recent files from the Start menu, you can right-click on the Start button, select “Settings,” go to “Personalization,” and then click on “Start.” In the “Show recently added apps and files on Start” section, toggle the switch to the off position.
By following these simple steps, you can effectively hide recent files in Windows 10 and maintain your privacy. Remember, keeping your personal information secure is essential in today’s digital world.
