How to Delete Recent Files in Windows 11: A Simple Guide

By / August 28, 2025

Every time you open a file or folder on your PC, Windows 11 keeps track of it and stores it in a Recent Files list. While this can be handy for quick access, sometimes you might not want others to see what you’ve been working on. Maybe you share your computer, or maybe you just like keeping things tidy.

Whatever the reason, learning how to delete recent files in Windows 11 is quick and easy. In this guide, I’ll show you multiple ways to clear recent files and even stop Windows from tracking them in the future.

What Are Recent Files in Windows 11?

Recent files are shortcuts that Windows stores in places like Quick Access, File Explorer, and some apps. They don’t duplicate your actual files—they just create a history log of what you opened recently.

Think of it like your browser history. It’s not storing the websites, just the record of where you’ve been.

Why Delete Recent Files?

Here are a few common reasons:

  • Privacy – Prevent others from seeing what files you’ve opened.
  • Clutter-free workspace – Keep your File Explorer looking clean.
  • Troubleshooting – Resetting recent files can fix display glitches.

Method 1: Delete Recent Files from Quick Access

Quick Access is where most people see their recent files list.

Steps:

  1. Open File Explorer (Windows + E).
  2. In the left pane, select Quick Access.
  3. Right-click on any recent file you want to remove.
  4. Click Remove from Quick access.

👉 This only removes the shortcut, not the actual file.

Method 2: Clear All Recent Files in Quick Access

Want to wipe everything at once?

Steps:

  1. Open File Explorer.
  2. Right-click on Quick Access in the left panel.
  3. Select Options.
  4. Under the General tab, look for the Privacy section.
  5. Click Clear next to “Clear File Explorer history.”
  6. Hit OK.

And just like that, your recent files history is gone.

Method 3: Disable Recent Files in Windows 11

If you don’t want Windows to track recent files at all:

Steps:

  1. Open File Explorer Options (right-click Quick Access → Options).
  2. Under Privacy, uncheck both:
    • Show recently used files in Quick access
    • Show frequently used folders in Quick access
  3. Click Apply → OK.

From now on, Windows won’t show recent files in File Explorer.

Method 4: Clear Recent Items from Start Menu

Recent files also appear in your Start menu’s “Recommended” section.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Personalization → Start.
  3. Toggle off Show recently opened items in Start, Jump Lists, and File Explorer.

Now your Start menu won’t show any recent files.

Method 5: Manually Delete Recent Files from History Folder

Windows keeps a hidden folder of recent file shortcuts. You can clear it manually.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + R to open Run.
  2. Type: %AppData%\Microsoft\Windows\Recent
  3. Press Enter.
  4. Select all files inside and delete them.

Don’t worry—you’re only deleting shortcuts, not the actual files.

Method 6: Use Disk Cleanup

Disk Cleanup is another way to wipe recent file history.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + S, type Disk Cleanup, and open it.
  2. Select your main drive (usually C:).
  3. Check Recent Documents.
  4. Click OK → Delete Files.

Method 7: Use Third-Party Tools

If you want more control, tools like CCleaner can clear recent files, browser history, and temp files all at once. Just make sure to download from trusted sources.

Best Practices for Privacy

  • Regularly clear recent files if you share your PC.
  • Disable tracking if you value maximum privacy.
  • Use separate user accounts for multiple people on the same computer.

Conclusion

Deleting recent files in Windows 11 is simple, and you’ve got multiple ways to do it—from clearing Quick Access to disabling history completely. Whether you just want to clean up File Explorer or protect your privacy, you now know exactly how to take control.

So go ahead—give your PC a fresh start and keep your recent history your business only.

FAQs

1. Does deleting recent files delete the actual files?
No—recent files are just shortcuts. Your original files remain safe.

2. How often should I clear recent files?
It depends on your usage. For shared PCs, clearing weekly is a good habit.

3. Can I hide recent files without deleting them?
Yes—just disable recent file tracking in File Explorer Options.

4. Are recent files stored across all accounts?
No—each Windows account has its own recent files list.

5. Can I permanently stop Windows from tracking recent files?
Yes—by disabling the recent files and frequently used folders options in settings.

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