How To Clear Recent Files Windows 10

In Windows 10, File Explorer keeps track of all the files and folders you've ever opened. Follow the below steps to clear recent files and folders in File Explorer in Windows 10.

In case you are wondering, these logged files and folders appear as frequent items in the different places similar the beginning carte, file explorer, etc., to help you access the oftentimes used files and folders chop-chop. As skillful every bit it is, seeing frequent files and folders forepart and center can be a privacy consequence. So, if you don't like this behavior, you can articulate contempo files and folders listing in File Explorer and even disable the feature entirely.

Like for many things in Windows, there are multiple ways to articulate recent files and folders from File Explorer. All methods reach the same outcome. I will show two methods. The beginning one uses the congenital-in options in File Explorer and the 2nd method uses the new PC Settings app. Use the ane you are comfortable with.

Method #1: File Explorer Options to Clear Recent Files and Folders

one. First, open File Explorer by searching for it in the starting time menu or by pressing the keyboard shortcut Win + E.

2. In the file explorer, click on the "View" tab and then click on the "Options" push button.

3. The above action volition open the Binder Options window where you tin customize how File Explorer works in Windows 10. Hither, make sure you are in the "General" tab and click on the "Clear" button under the Privacy section to clear recent files and folders in File Explorer.

4. (Optional) If you want to, you tin cease file explorer from tracking and logging your recent files. To do that, uncheck both the "Show recently used files in Quick Access" and "Show frequently used folders in Quick Access" options.

five. Click on the "Apply" and "Ok" buttons to save changes.

That is all. Equally soon as you lot click on the Clear push button, file explorer will delete recent files and folders list. Like I said, if you don't desire file explorer to ever show recent files and folders, uncheck the two checkboxes under the Privacy section.

Method #two: PC Settings App

Every bit an alternative, yous tin can also use the PC Settings app to clear recent files and folders in file explorer.

1. Open PC Settings app by pressing the keyboard shortcut Win + I. Alternatively, yous tin as well click on the "All Settings" button in the Action Middle.

2. In the Settings app, go to the "Personalization -> Get-go" folio. On the right page, toggle the switch under "Testify recently opened items in Spring lists on Start or the taskbar and in File Explorer Quick Access" to "OFF" position.

That is all. Every bit soon as yous turn off, Windows will clear the recent file and folders in File Explorer and disables the feature. Once disabled, Windows will no longer log your often accessed files and folders.

That is all. It is that uncomplicated.