How to Disable Recent Files in Windows 10
In the digital age, we often rely on our computers to store and access a plethora of files and documents. However, for some users, the “Recent Files” feature in Windows 10 can be quite intrusive and cumbersome. If you’re looking to disable this feature for privacy reasons or simply to declutter your file explorer, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it.
Firstly, you’ll need to access the Windows 10 settings. To do this, click on the Start button at the bottom left corner of your screen, and then click on the gear icon to open the Settings menu. Alternatively, you can press the Windows key + I on your keyboard to open the Settings directly.
Once the Settings menu is open, navigate to the “Personalization” section. Within this section, click on “Start” to view the available options related to the Windows Start menu and taskbar.
Scroll down to the “Use Start layout on all accounts” option and disable it if it’s enabled. This will ensure that the Start menu settings apply to all user accounts on your computer.
Next, scroll down further to the “Show recently added apps” option and disable it as well. This will prevent recently installed apps from appearing in the Start menu.
To disable the “Recent Files” feature, scroll down to the “Show recently used files in Jump Lists on Start or Taskbar” option and toggle it off. This will prevent Windows from displaying a list of your recently accessed files in the Jump Lists on the Start menu or Taskbar.
If you also want to disable the “Recent Files” section in File Explorer, follow these steps:
1. Open File Explorer by clicking on the folder icon on the taskbar or pressing the Windows key + E on your keyboard.
2. Click on the “View” tab at the top of the window.
3. In the “Layout” group, uncheck the “Show all folders” option. This will hide the “Recent Files” section from the File Explorer sidebar.
By following these steps, you can successfully disable the “Recent Files” feature in Windows 10. This will help you maintain your privacy and keep your file explorer clutter-free.
