How to Remove Your File Access History on Windows 11
If keeping your recent activity in File Explorer private sounds like a good idea, clearing that history is pretty straightforward. Honestly, just a few quick tweaks in your settings can wipe away any signs of files and folders you’ve opened recently. This helps keep your workspace tidy and prevents anyone sharing your computer from snooping into your recent files.
Open File Explorer
First up, press the Windows key and tap E. Done. You’re straight into File Explorer, no fuss. Alternatively, find it via the Start menu by clicking Start > File Explorer, or type explorer in the Run dialog box — open it with Windows + R, then hit Enter.
Go to the Settings Menu
Look for the three dots at the top of the File Explorer window. Click on them, and a dropdown menu will appear. Choose “Options” to open the Folder Options window. You can also go the traditional route: View > Options > Change folder and search options.
If you prefer, you can also access it through the Control Panel:
Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\Folder OptionsSwitch to the General Tab
Make sure you’re on the “General” tab inside the Folder Options window. This is where you control how File Explorer behaves—particularly regarding your browsing history.
Clear Your Recent Files History
Scroll down to the “Privacy” section at the bottom. Click the “Clear” button, and it will delete your recent files and folders list. If you want to keep things even more private, uncheck the boxes for “Show recently used files in Quick access” and “Show frequently used folders in Quick access” so Windows doesn’t start recording your activities again.
Save Your Changes
Hit OK to save your settings and close the Folder Options window. And just like that, your recent activity is wiped clean—literally!
Tips for Managing Your File Explorer History in Windows 11
- Make a habit of clearing your recent activity. It’s good for your privacy and keeps things neat—especially if the device is shared.
- Clearing history only removes the list of recent items, not the files themselves. No worries — your data stays safe.
- If you’re feeling a bit tech-savvy, you can manually clear the Quick Access cache by deleting the
automaticDestinations-msfile located here:%AppData%\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Recent\AutomaticDestinationsRemove both
automaticDestinations-msandcustomDestinations-msif you want to wipe Quick Access history completely. - Even after clearing the history, you can still find files easily with Windows Search. Just press Windows + S or click the magnifying glass icon and type in the filename or keyword.
- Pinned folders in Quick Access won’t disappear—you can keep or unpin them as you like. Clearing history doesn’t affect your pinned items.
- Heads up: clearing your history won’t unpin or remove your favourite shortcuts. They stay put unless you explicitly unpin them.
Common Questions About Clearing File Explorer History
Why should I clear my File Explorer history?
Cleaning out that history is a smart move for your privacy—especially if multiple people use your PC. It stops others from seeing which files and folders you’ve recently accessed, keeping your private stuff private.
Does clearing history delete my actual files?
Not at all. It only clears the record of what you’ve opened. Your files are still safe and sound on your drive.
How often should I do this?
That depends on you. Some prefer to clear it weekly, particularly if they handle sensitive info, while others might do it only now and then.
Can I recover my history after clearing it?
Once it’s gone, it’s gone for good. If you want to keep track of certain files, pin them beforehand so they’re always easily accessible.
Will clearing the history affect my pinned Quick Access folders?
Nope. Pinning is separate from your history. Your favourite pinned folders stay put unless you decide to unpin them.
Final Thoughts on Managing Your File Access History
Clearing your File Explorer history in Windows 11 isn’t just a good idea—it’s an essential step in maintaining your privacy and staying organised. Regularly cleaning out those logs helps keep prying eyes at bay, especially on shared computers. Plus, it’s a quick fix to declutter your digital life.
Knowing how to navigate these settings means you can tailor your experience and keep your data secure. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in protecting your personal space and keeping your workflow smooth.
Hopefully, this guide saves you some headaches down the track!