How not to show recent files in Windows 10
In today’s digital age, privacy is a top concern for many users. One aspect of privacy that often goes unnoticed is the display of recent files in Windows 10. While this feature can be convenient for quickly accessing files you’ve recently worked on, it can also pose a security risk if someone else has access to your computer. In this article, we’ll discuss how to disable the recent files feature in Windows 10 to protect your privacy.
Firstly, it’s important to understand how the recent files feature works. When you open a file or folder in Windows 10, the operating system stores this information in a database. This database is then used to populate the “Recent Files” section in File Explorer and the Start menu. To prevent this feature from showing your recent files, you can follow these simple steps:
1. Open the File Explorer by clicking on the folder icon in the taskbar or pressing the Windows key + E.
2. In the File Explorer window, click on the “View” tab at the top of the ribbon.
3. Look for the “Show/hide” group and click on the dropdown menu for “Show recently used files in Quick Access.”
4. Uncheck the box next to “Show recently used files in Quick Access.” This will hide your recent files from the Quick Access section in File Explorer.
5. To further ensure your privacy, you can also hide recent files from the Start menu. To do this, right-click on the Start button and select “Settings.”
6. In the Settings window, click on “Personalization” and then “Start.”
7. Under the “Show recently added apps and files in Start” section, click on the dropdown menu and select “Off.”
By following these steps, you can effectively disable the recent files feature in Windows 10. However, it’s important to note that this only hides your recent files from the operating system’s interface. The files themselves are still stored on your computer, and you can access them through the file system if necessary.
In addition to disabling the recent files feature, you can also take other steps to protect your privacy in Windows 10. For example, you can:
– Use a strong password to secure your account.
– Enable two-factor authentication for your Microsoft account.
– Regularly update your operating system and software to patch security vulnerabilities.
By taking these precautions, you can help ensure that your personal information remains private and secure on your Windows 10 computer.
