Efficiently Clearing Recent Files in Windows Explorer- A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Clear Recent Files in Windows Explorer

In today’s digital age, managing files and folders on your computer is an essential skill. Windows Explorer, a built-in file manager in Windows, provides users with the ability to access recent files quickly. However, sometimes you may want to clear these recent files for privacy reasons or to declutter your file manager. In this article, we will guide you through the process of how to clear recent files in Windows Explorer.

Step 1: Open Windows Explorer

To begin, open Windows Explorer by clicking on the folder icon in the taskbar or pressing the Windows key + E on your keyboard.

Step 2: Access the View Tab

Once Windows Explorer is open, locate the “View” tab at the top of the window. Click on it to expand the options.

Step 3: Click on Options

In the “View” tab, you will see an “Options” button on the right side of the ribbon. Click on it to open the “Folder Options” dialog box.

Step 4: Go to the View Tab

In the “Folder Options” dialog box, click on the “View” tab. This tab contains various settings for customizing the appearance and behavior of Windows Explorer.

Step 5: Uncheck “Show Recently Used Files in Quick Access”

Under the “Files and Folders” section, you will find the option “Show recently used files in Quick Access.” Uncheck this box to remove recent files from the Quick Access section.

Step 6: Clear Recent Files

To completely clear the recent files from Windows Explorer, click on the “Clear” button next to the “Show recently used files in Quick Access” option. A confirmation dialog box will appear, asking if you are sure you want to clear the list. Click “Yes” to proceed.

Step 7: Restart Windows Explorer

After clearing the recent files, it is recommended to restart Windows Explorer to ensure that the changes take effect. You can do this by closing and reopening Windows Explorer or by restarting your computer.

By following these simple steps, you can easily clear recent files in Windows Explorer and maintain a clutter-free file manager. Remember that this process will not delete the files themselves but only remove them from the Quick Access section.