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

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 10, Windows 8/8.1, Windows 7 operating systems.Works for all major computer manufactures (Dell, HP, Acer, Asus, Toshiba, Lenovo, Samsung).

[emmanuellejosephurquia]

Thanks I was planning to delete my files for so long thanks for this tutorial! :)

[julie-gracedumlao]

LOL geez. That was sooo easy. I've been trying to figure out how to delete for days and this video showed me in less than 10 seconds! Thank you!!

[memesdotorg]

Now my teachers will never know that i played Minecraft >:)

[alygarden]

You're a life saver! Thank youuuu. For the life of me there was no deleting that and I was like Found your video almost immediately and bam...was able to do as you did, and it magically disappeared 😃👏👏👏👏

[blve]

Thank you for this video. I look for too long for such a simple question, and you solved my problem within 2 minutes. Keep up the good work, man!

[KBlessLiving]

This was good to the point and the job done thanks man I kept on try to remove from quick access this was fast

[UnrealStezi]

What does it do does it delete the things u need or like ur saved data?

[Marco]

Thanks a lot for uploading this video...very useful to me.
Grazie!
Respect from Italy

[abdikarim]

Thanks a lot Sir Really That's Helpful. your VIDEOS always, always are wonderful.

[SKYSCRAPERTELEVISION]

Thank you. I used this help today, 10/5/2020 8:22 PM (EST)

[akshayajl]

Is it not possible to delete a select set of files only ?

[audreygatto]

Thank you for the information, greatly appreciated your video! Have a wonderful day😊

[Vaihly]

Will you still be able to open the files after clearing it or does it just completely erase them?

[yurimarquessilvadearruda]

Does this delete all files for ever plz say it does...

[onnielgarcia]

That was awesome bro i was trying to delete this but your video makes it so much easier

[whoneedsguyswhenyouhavecat]

How do I undo what I I just wanted to delete what files I was looking through, not the

[BloxyEditz]

Thank you so much dude you literally saved my computers life I downloaded a deadly file that could have harmed my laptop.

[gftedlyy]

Thank you! my pc was being slow and has no space and this helped!

[stxrbit]

Umm When U put A In useful File and I put it on Recycle bin... Does That Mean "Permanent" Already, ?

[Ryutrackstar]

Thank you I’ve been trying to do this for a while 😇🌟