Efficiently Eliminate Recent Files from Windows 10- A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Remove Recent Files in Windows 10

In Windows 10, the recent files feature provides a convenient way to access documents, apps, and other files that you have recently used. However, this feature can sometimes clutter your system and slow down your computer’s performance. If you’re looking to remove recent files from your Windows 10 system, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it.

Step 1: Open the Settings App

To begin, click on the Start button located at the bottom left corner of your screen. From the menu that appears, select “Settings.” This will open the Settings app where you can manage various system settings.

Step 2: Navigate to Privacy Settings

In the Settings app, click on “Privacy” from the left-hand menu. This will display a list of privacy-related settings, including options for app permissions, location, and other features.

Step 3: Access the Recent Files Section

Within the Privacy settings, scroll down and click on “Other” from the list of options on the left-hand side. This will expand the section and reveal more privacy settings. Find and click on “Manage my activity history.”

Step 4: Turn Off Activity History

In the “Manage my activity history” section, you will see a list of devices connected to your Microsoft account. Click on the device you want to modify the settings for. Under the “Activity history” section, you will find options for “Files” and “Apps.” Toggle the switches for both options to “Off” to disable the recording of recent files and apps.

Step 5: Clear Recent Files from File Explorer

While the previous steps prevent Windows 10 from recording recent files, you may still want to remove the files from the File Explorer’s recent files list. To do this, open File Explorer by clicking on the folder icon on the taskbar or pressing the Windows key + E. Once File Explorer is open, click on the “View” tab at the top of the window. In the “Layout” group, click on “Options” and then select “Change folder and search options.”

Step 6: Clear Recent Files

In the Folder Options window, go to the “View” tab. Under the “Files and Folders” section, you will find an option called “Clear recent files list when opening File Explorer.” Check this box to clear the recent files list. Additionally, you can uncheck the box for “Show icons and thumbnails in folder views” to prevent Windows from displaying thumbnails of recently opened files.

Step 7: Restart Your Computer

After making the necessary changes, restart your computer to ensure that the settings take effect. Once your computer restarts, the recent files feature will be disabled, and the recent files list will be cleared.

By following these steps, you can successfully remove recent files from your Windows 10 system, ensuring a cleaner and more efficient computing experience.