Do you ever open File Explorer only to see a list of every file you recently worked on staring back at you? While convenient for some, Windows 11’s Recent Files feature can feel like a privacy invasion — especially if you share your PC with others. The good news? You can easily turn off Recent Files and keep your activity private.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through how to turn off Recent Files in Windows 11 step by step, explore multiple methods, and explain why you might want to do it.
Key Takeaways
- You can disable Recent Files from File Explorer settings, Group Policy, or the Registry.
- Multiple methods available – choose the one that fits your comfort level.
- Boost privacy and speed by hiding recent activity.
Why Turn Off Recent Files?
Windows shows recent files to make it easier to pick up where you left off. However:
- Privacy concerns: Others can see what you opened last.
- Clutter: Your Quick Access list may feel messy.
- Performance: File Explorer loads slightly faster without extra history.
Methods to Turn Off Recent Files in Windows 11
Let’s cover all the ways you can do this, from the easiest to the most advanced.
1. Turn Off Recent Files via File Explorer Options
This is the simplest method and works for most users.
- Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.
- Click the three dots (…) on the top bar → select Options.
- In the Folder Options window, under the General tab, look for Privacy.
- Uncheck:
- Show recently used files in Quick Access
- Show frequently used folders in Quick Access
- Click Clear to remove existing history.
- Press Apply → OK.
Now your recent files will no longer appear in Quick Access.
2. Disable Recent Files via Settings App
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Go to Personalization → Start.
- Toggle Show recently opened items in Start, Jump Lists, and File Explorer to Off.
This removes recent files from Start and Explorer.
3. Clear Recent Files Without Turning Them Off
Want to keep the feature but start fresh?
- Follow the steps above to open Folder Options.
- Click Clear under Privacy.
This wipes your history without disabling it permanently.
4. Turn Off Recent Files Using Group Policy (Pro & Enterprise)
For IT admins or advanced users.
- Press Windows + R, type
gpedit.msc, press Enter. - Navigate to:
User Configuration → Administrative Templates → Start Menu and Taskbar
- Double-click Do not keep a history of recently opened documents.
- Set it to Enabled.
- Click Apply → OK.
Restart your PC to apply the policy.
5. Disable Recent Files via Registry Editor
If you don’t have Group Policy (Home edition), use the Registry.
- Press Windows + R, type
regedit, press Enter. - Navigate to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
- Find (or create) a DWORD (32-bit) Value named
Start_TrackDocs. - Set its value to
0. - Restart Windows Explorer or your PC.
Warning: Editing the registry can affect system behavior — back it up first!
6. Use Storage Sense to Auto-Clear Recent Files
You can let Windows clean history periodically:
- Open Settings → System → Storage.
- Enable Storage Sense.
- Configure cleanup frequency to clear temporary files.
Pros and Cons of Turning Off Recent Files
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Better privacy | Lose quick access to recent work |
| Cleaner File Explorer | Takes more clicks to open last-used files |
| Slightly faster Explorer | Need to remember file locations manually |
Troubleshooting
Why Are Recent Files Still Showing?
- Double-check both File Explorer Options and Settings → Personalization.
- Restart File Explorer (
Ctrl + Shift + Esc→ find Windows Explorer → Restart).
How to Re-Enable Recent Files
Simply re-check the boxes in Folder Options or toggle the switch in Settings back On.
Best Practices for Privacy
- Regularly clear history if you share your PC.
- Use separate Windows user accounts for family members.
- Consider using BitLocker to protect sensitive data.
Conclusion
Disabling Recent Files in Windows 11 is quick and gives you more control over your privacy. Whether you use File Explorer Options, Settings, Group Policy, or Registry tweaks, you can keep your PC clutter-free and secure.
Take a few minutes to set it up — you’ll enjoy a cleaner, more private experience.
FAQs
1. Does turning off recent files improve performance?
Slightly — File Explorer loads faster without retrieving history.
2. Can I hide recent files for one user only?
Yes — these settings apply per user account.
3. Is there a shortcut to clear recent files quickly?
Yes — open Folder Options and click Clear under Privacy.
4. Can I hide recent files but keep frequent folders?
Yes — uncheck only the “recent files” box and leave “frequent folders” checked.
5. Will disabling recent files affect Microsoft Office?
No — Office has its own recent file list. You must clear that separately in each app.