How to Remove the Recent Files in Windows 11
Windows 11, the latest operating system from Microsoft, comes with a variety of new features and improvements. One of the notable features is the ability to view recent files, which can be helpful for quickly accessing documents, photos, and other files that you have recently worked on. However, there may be instances where you want to remove these recent files from the list to maintain privacy or declutter your system. In this article, we will guide you through the steps on how to remove the recent files in Windows 11.
Step 1: Access the File Explorer
To begin, open the File Explorer by clicking on the folder icon on the taskbar or pressing the Windows key + E on your keyboard.
Step 2: Open the Settings
Once the File Explorer is open, click on the three dots in the upper-right corner of the window to open the File Explorer context menu. From the menu, select “Settings.”
Step 3: Navigate to the View Tab
In the File Explorer Settings window, you will see several tabs at the top. Click on the “View” tab to access the settings related to file and folder viewing options.
Step 4: Show or Hide Recently Used Files
In the View tab, scroll down until you find the “Show recently used files in Quick Access” option. By default, this option is turned on, which means the recent files will be displayed in the Quick Access section of the File Explorer. To remove the recent files, simply uncheck this option.
Step 5: Clear Recent Files from Quick Access
If you want to remove the recent files from the Quick Access section without turning off the feature entirely, you can do so by right-clicking on the Quick Access section and selecting “Clear.” This will remove all the recent files from the list, but the feature will still be enabled.
Step 6: Clear Recent Files from the Taskbar
To remove the recent files from the taskbar, right-click on the taskbar and select “Taskbar settings.” In the Taskbar settings window, scroll down and click on “Start.” Under the “Start” settings, you will find the “Show recently opened items in Start” option. Uncheck this option to remove the recent files from the Start menu.
Conclusion
Removing the recent files in Windows 11 is a straightforward process that can help you maintain privacy and declutter your system. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily disable or remove the recent files from the File Explorer, Quick Access, and taskbar.
