How do I turn off recent files in Windows 10?
If you’re using Windows 10 and want to disable the recent files feature, you might be wondering how to do it. The recent files feature in Windows 10 displays a list of recently opened documents, apps, and other files on your computer. While this can be convenient for quick access, some users may prefer to keep their privacy or declutter their system tray. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to turn off recent files in Windows 10.
Firstly, you need to access the System settings. To do this, click on the Start button and then click on the gear icon to open the Settings app. Once the Settings app is open, navigate to “Personalization” and then click on “Start.”
In the Start settings, you’ll see an option called “Show recently opened items in Start, taskbar, and search.” This is the setting that controls the recent files feature. To turn it off, simply toggle the switch to the “Off” position. After doing so, click “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes.
Alternatively, you can also disable recent files by changing the registry settings. Before proceeding with this method, please note that editing the registry can be risky if not done correctly. It is recommended to create a backup of your registry before making any changes.
1. Press “Windows + R” to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “regedit” and press “Enter” to open the Registry Editor.
3. Navigate to the following path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
4. In the right pane, find the DWORD (32-bit) value named “Start_ShowRecentFiles.”
5. Double-click on the value and set its value data to “0” (zero).
6. Click “OK” and then close the Registry Editor.
Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
By following these steps, you should now have successfully turned off the recent files feature in Windows 10. If you ever decide to re-enable the feature, simply follow the same steps and set the “Start_ShowRecentFiles” value to “1” (one).
Remember that disabling the recent files feature may impact your productivity if you frequently access recently opened files. However, it’s essential to prioritize your privacy and system preferences. Happy computing!
