Question

Windows 10: Delete recently used files

Answer 1

Clear the list of recently used files

1st step:
2nd step:
3rd step:
Hide recently used files entirely
1st step:
2nd step:
Quick guide: clearing the list of recently used files
Quick guide: Hide recently used files entirely

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Do you want to hide or delete the list of recently opened files? We'll show you how..

It is not always desired that the files last used are displayed in Windows 10 in the quick access menu of Windows Explorer. You can therefore hide the list of recently used files or delete their contents entirely.

• Clear the list of recently used files
• Hide recently used files entirely

Clear the list of recently used files

Doesn't the list of recently used files bother you, just some of the items it contains? Then you can also easily delete the list. Aside from opening 20 other files to overwrite the 20 items in the list, there is also a much simpler option. Follow our step-by-step instructions or take a look at the brief instructions .

1st step:

Open Windows Explorer and click on " Quick Access " in the bar on the left . Select the " View " tab in the menu at the top and click on " Options " on the far right . Then click on " Change folder and search options ".

2nd step:

At the bottom of the " General " tab you will find the " Data protection " area. It says " Clear File Explorer History " at the bottom . Next to it is the " Delete " button . Click on it and then click OK .

3rd step:

If you have successfully completed the steps, the overview of the files last used is now empty and will no longer be filled again.

Hide recently used files entirely

There is an easy way to collapse the drop-down menu by clicking on it. So you won't be able to see the files themselves. With another click, however, the menu can be opened again just as easily. This is why Windows has the function of hiding the entire menu. Follow our step-by-step instructions or take a look at the brief instructions ..

1st step:

Go to " Quick Access " in the bar on the left in Windows Explorer . Click on the " View " tab in the menu bar at the top . Then select " Options " on the right and click on " Change folder and search options ".

2nd step:

A new window is opening up. In the " General " tab you will find the " Data protection " area below . Uncheck " Show recently used files in quick access " and click on " OK ". The recently used files menu is now completely hidden.

Quick guide: clearing the list of recently used files

1. Open the " View " tab while you are in quick access in Windows Explorer.
2. Click on " Options " on the far right and select " Change folder and search options ".
3. At the very bottom next to " Clear File Explorer History " is the " Clear " button . Click on it.
4. Finally, go to " OK ". You can see that your quick access now contains empty lists.

Quick guide: Hide recently used files entirely

1. Call up quick access in Windows Explorer .
2. Click on " View " in the menu bar at the top .
3. Then select the " Options " menu and click on " Change folder and search options ".
4. In the " General " tab in the " Data protection " area, remove the check mark next to " Show recently used files in quick access ".
5. Click OK . Now the list of recently used files is hidden.

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