The Recent Files aspect of Windows Explorer is either going to work for you or it isn’t. I don’t like it much as I much prefer the traditional Explorer drive and folder view. However, quite a few people I know like being able to quickly pick up a file where they left off. If you’re not so sure about the function, here’s how to remove Recent Files from Windows 10 File Explorer.
Recent Files is an evolution of Favourites from Windows 7 and 8. It will display up to ten recent folders and up to twenty recent files. While it aims to be helpful, it doesn’t work for everyone. That means there is only one thing to do.
Remove Recent Files from Windows 10 File Explorer
Removing Recent Files from Windows 10 File Explorer is very simple.
1. Open Windows Explorer.
2. Click View in the top menu.
3. Change ‘Open File Explorer to:’ to This PC.
4. Uncheck the bottom two boxes under Privacy. While you don’t have to do this to remove Recent Files, I think it’s good for completeness.
Replace Recent Files from Windows 10 File Explorer
As you would expect, to turn Recent Files back on, just reverse these steps.
1. Open Windows Explorer.
2. Click View in the top menu.
3. Change ‘Open File Explorer to:’ back to Quick access.
4. Check the bottom two boxes under Privacy.
That’s all there is to it.
More Windows 10 personalization tips on Tom’s Hardware:
How to boot into Advanced Startup options in Windows 10
How to change your lock screen background in Windows 10
How to add or remove items in All apps in the Windows 10 Start menu
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