How to Clear Your File Explorer “Recent Files” History in Windows

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Similar to web browsers keeping track of our browsing history and help us fill in the URL of our frequently-visited websites when we type in the address bar. Just like in a web browser, Windows Explorer also keeps track of your frequently-opened folders so that you can easily move back and forth between them.

Note,If you don’t want File Explorer to store your recent file and folder history at all, then uncheck both checkboxes under the Privacy section and click on the “Ok” button to save the changes.

The Recent Files aspect of Windows Explorer is either going to work for you or it isn’t. I don’t like it much as I much prefer the traditional Explorer drive and folder view. However, quite a few people I know like being able to quickly pick up a file where they left off. If you’re not so sure about the function, here’s how to remove Recent Files from Windows 10 File Explorer.

Recent Files is an evolution of Favourites from Windows 7 and 8. It will display up to ten recent folders and up to twenty recent files. While it aims to be helpful, it doesn’t work for everyone. That means there is only one thing to do.

Remove Recent Files from Windows 10 File Explorer
Removing Recent Files from Windows 10 File Explorer is very simple.

1. Open Windows Explorer.
2. Click View in the top menu.
3. Change ‘Open File Explorer to:’ to This PC.
4. Uncheck the bottom two boxes under Privacy. While you don’t have to do this to remove Recent Files, I think it’s good for completeness.

Replace Recent Files from Windows 10 File Explorer
As you would expect, to turn Recent Files back on, just reverse these steps.

1. Open Windows Explorer.
2. Click View in the top menu.
3. Change ‘Open File Explorer to:’ back to Quick access.
4. Check the bottom two boxes under Privacy.

That’s all there is to it.

This tutorial will apply for computers, laptops, desktops, and tablets running the Windows 11 operating system (Home, Professional, Enterprise, Education) from all supported hardware manufactures, like Dell, HP, Acer, Asus, Toshiba, Lenovo, Huawei and Samsung.