How to Remove Recent Files in Windows 10: Step-by-Step Guide

Have you ever opened File Explorer on your Windows 10 PC only to see a list of files you recently accessed staring back at you? Whether it’s for privacy, tidiness, or performance reasons, knowing how to remove recent files in Windows 10 is something every user should learn.

In this comprehensive, step-by-step guide, we’ll show you exactly how to delete, hide, and disable recent files — plus how to manage or clear them automatically.

What Are Recent Files in Windows 10?

Windows 10 automatically tracks your recently opened files and folders. This feature is designed to make it easy to pick up where you left off — but it also creates a visible list of your activity.

These “Recent Files” show up in:

• File Explorer → Quick Access

• Jump Lists (right-click menus on the taskbar)

• Search Suggestions

• Start Menu

While convenient, this feature might raise privacy concerns — especially if you share your PC with others.

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Why You Might Want to Remove Recent Files

Here are the most common reasons users choose to remove or disable recent files:

So, whether you’re cleaning up your workspace or just want a privacy boost, clearing your recent files is a smart move.

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Where Are Recent Files Displayed?

To find your Recent Files:

1. Open File Explorer (Windows + E).

2. Click Quick Access from the sidebar.

3. You’ll see two sections:

   • Frequent folders

   • Recent files

These lists refresh automatically based on your activity.

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How to Remove Recent Files in Windows 10 (Quick Steps)

If you just want the short version, here’s a quick summary before we dive deeper:

1. Open File Explorer.

2. Click “File” → “Change folder and search options.”

3. In the Privacy section, select Clear to delete recent files.

4. (Optional) Uncheck both:

   • Show recently used files in Quick access

   • Show frequently used folders in Quick access

5. Click OK to save changes.

Done! 🎉 You’ve cleared your recent files list.
Now, let’s explore all available methods in more detail.

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Method 1: Clear Recent Files Using File Explorer

This is the simplest way to remove recent files instantly.

Steps:

1. Open File Explorer (Windows + E).

2. Navigate to Quick Access.

3. Right-click on Recent files.

4. Select Clear recent files list.

That’s it — your recent file history will vanish immediately.

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Method 2: Clear Recent Files via File Explorer Options

Another reliable approach is using the Folder Options menu.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Open File Explorer.

2. Click the View tab on the top ribbon.

3. Select Options → Change folder and search options.

4. In the General tab, scroll down to the Privacy section.

5. Click Clear next to “Clear File Explorer history.”

6. Optionally, uncheck:

   • “Show recently used files in Quick access”

   • “Show frequently used folders in Quick access”

7. Click Apply → OK.

💡 Pro tip: Unchecking those boxes will prevent Windows from saving new file history in the future.

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Method 3: Disable Recent Files Completely

If you never want Windows to track your recent files again, disable the feature entirely.

Here’s how:

1. Open File Explorer Options as shown above.

2. In the Privacy section:

   • Uncheck both boxes for recently used files and frequently used folders.

3. Click Apply → OK.

Now, the Recent Files section in Quick Access will remain blank permanently.

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Method 4: Use Windows Settings to Hide Quick Access Items

If you prefer not to see Quick Access at all, you can hide it.

Steps:

1. Open File Explorer.

2. Click on the View tab → choose Navigation Pane → Show all folders.

3. Alternatively, go to File → Change folder and search options.

4. Under “Open File Explorer to,” choose This PC instead of Quick Access.

5. Click Apply → OK.

Now, every time you open File Explorer, it will open directly to This PC, skipping the recent files view entirely.

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Method 5: Delete Recent Files Using Command Prompt

For advanced users, Command Prompt (CMD) can clear recent file data quickly.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + S, type cmd, and click Run as administrator.

2. Copy and paste this command, then hit Enter:

   del /F /Q %AppData%\Microsoft\Windows\Recent\*


3. Close the Command Prompt window.

✅ All recent file shortcuts will be deleted immediately.

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Method 6: Automatically Clear Recent Files with Disk Cleanup

Windows’ built-in Disk Cleanup tool can also remove temporary recent file data.

Here’s how:

1. Press Windows + S, type Disk Cleanup, and open it.

2. Select your system drive (usually C:) and click OK.

3. In the list, check:

   • Recent Documents

   • Temporary files

4. Click OK → Delete Files.

This not only clears recent files but also helps free up disk space.

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Method 7: Use a Third-Party Cleaner Tool

Apps like CCleaner, BleachBit, or Glary Utilities can automate this process.

Why use them?

• They clean multiple locations at once.

• You can schedule automatic cleanup.

• They often remove deeper file traces (like thumbnails and MRU lists).

Example (using CCleaner):

1. Open CCleaner.

2. Under Windows Explorer, check:

   • “Recent Documents”

   • “Run (in Start Menu)”

3. Click Run Cleaner.

⚠️ Note: Always download such tools from official sources and back up your system first.

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How to Prevent Windows from Tracking Recent Files

If privacy is your top priority, disable the feature altogether.

Option 1: Via Group Policy Editor (Pro versions)

1. Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter.

2. Navigate to:

   User Configuration → Administrative Templates → Start Menu and Taskbar


3. Double-click Do not keep a history of recently opened documents.

4. Select Enabled → Apply → OK.

Option 2: Via Registry Editor (All editions)

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.

2. Go to:

   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer


3. Right-click and create a new DWORD (32-bit) Value named:

   NoRecentDocsHistory


4. Set its value to 1, then restart your PC.

Windows will now stop logging recent file history entirely.

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How to Remove Recent Items from Jump Lists

Jump Lists (the right-click menus on taskbar icons) also show recent files.
Here’s how to clean them up:

1. Right-click the taskbar → select Taskbar settings.

2. Scroll down to Start behaviors.

3. Turn off:

   • “Show recently opened items in Jump Lists on Start or the taskbar.”

This hides all recent files from app-specific lists.

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Troubleshooting Common Issues

❓ Recent Files Keep Reappearing

If recent files show up again after clearing:

• Ensure the “Show recently used files” option is unchecked.

• Reboot your PC after clearing history.

• Delete %AppData%\Microsoft\Windows\Recent manually.

❓ Quick Access Takes Too Long to Load

Try disabling both “Show frequently used folders” and “Show recently used files” — this often improves speed.

❓ The Clear Button Is Grayed Out

Run File Explorer as administrator, or reset Folder Options via the Control Panel.

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Conclusion

Clearing and managing your recent files in Windows 10 is simple once you know where to look.
Whether you want to protect your privacy, speed up File Explorer, or just declutter your Quick Access view, you have multiple methods to do it — from File Explorer settings to command-line tools.

Now that you’ve learned how to remove, hide, and even disable recent files entirely, you can keep your computer clean, private, and efficient.

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🔍 FAQs

1. How do I clear recent files in Windows 10 quickly?

Open File Explorer, click File → Change folder and search options, and press Clear in the Privacy section.

2. Can I permanently disable recent files?

Yes. Uncheck both “Show recently used files” and “Show frequently used folders” under File Explorer Options, or use Group Policy.

3. Does deleting recent files remove the actual files?

No. It only removes the shortcuts — your original files remain safe.

4. How often should I clear recent files?

If you share your PC or work in public spaces, clearing once a week is ideal for privacy.

5. Why can’t I find the Clear button?

You might not have administrative privileges. Try running File Explorer as an administrator or resetting Folder Options.

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🧩 Key Takeaways

• Recent Files are shortcuts to your last opened items in Windows 10.

• You can clear them using File Explorer Options, CMD, or Disk Cleanup.

• Disabling them improves privacy and may speed up Quick Access.

• To prevent tracking, adjust Group Policy or Registry settings.

• Regular cleanup ensures a clutter-free and faster Windows experience.

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✅ In short:
To protect your privacy and keep Windows tidy, clear or disable recent files regularly — it takes just a few clicks but makes a big difference.