Turning off recent files in Windows 11 isn’t too tricky, but it’s a bit of a pain how many steps there are just to hide what you’ve recently opened. If you’re sharing your laptop or just hate having that list clutter up your Quick Access, this should do the trick. Usually, clearing it out keeps nosy neighbours at bay, but here’s a more permanent fix.
How to Turn Off Recent Files in Windows 11
This is all about stopping Windows from showing your latest stuff in File Explorer, especially in Quick Access. If those recent files keep popping up and you want to keep things tidy or private, this is the way to go. The settings are tucked away in Folder Options — not the most obvious spot, but it does the job.
Step 1: Open File Explorer
First up, click on the File Explorer icon on your taskbar. Sometimes it’s a bit hidden if you’ve customised your icons, but more often than not, it’s right there.
This opens up your folder view. You’ll see recent files near the top or close to it. To hide that, you need to tweak some settings, usually found in the Options menu.
Step 2: Access the View Tab
Once File Explorer is open, go to the top ribbon and click on the View tab. On some setups, it might be called View or maybe Layout, but it’s generally in the top bar.
Here, you’ll spot different display options, including folder settings. This is where you tell Windows what to show and what to hide.
Step 3: Click on Options
On the right side of the View tab, you’ll see the Options button — give that a click. It opens up Folder Options, which is a bit of a maze because a lot of settings are hidden here, but that’s Windows for ya.
This menu is pretty much your main control centre for how File Explorer behaves. Think of it as the master switch for display and privacy stuff.
Step 4: Open the General Tab
In the Folder Options window, make sure you’re on the General tab — it’s usually the default.
This is where Windows keeps all the little checkboxes for general behaviour, including the ones about recent files.
Step 5: Disable Recent Files & Clear History
Now, find the checkbox labeled Show recently used files in Quick access and untick it. This stops Windows from keeping track of files you open. You can also hit the Clear button right next to it if you want to wipe the current list.
Once you do that, Windows shouldn’t show recent files anymore in Quick Access. For good measure, you might want to do the same in the Privacy section if there are other options about recent activity or pinned folders.
Pro tip: Sometimes, this setting doesn’t take effect straight away. If that’s the case, giving File Explorer a quick restart or a reboot should sort it out. On some setups, Windows can be a bit stubborn at first, then relax after a restart. Weird, but true.
Tips for Turning Off Recent Files in Windows 11
- It’s not a bad idea to clear the recent files list regularly, even if you turn it off — just to keep things private.
- Unchecking “Show recently used files” is key, but check your Privacy settings in Settings > Privacy & Security for extra peace of mind.
- Remember, these steps only hide the list — your actual files stay exactly where they are.
- If you’re worried about privacy, think about setting up a guest account or a separate user profile for shared devices.
- For those really serious about privacy, third-party apps or registry tweaks can do the trick, but that’s a bit more advanced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hide recent folders too?
Sure can. In the same menu, just uncheck Show frequently used folders in Quick Access. Because of course, Windows loves making it tricky to hide everything.
Does this delete my files?
Nah, your files are safe on your drive. This just stops Windows from showing the recent ones in File Explorer — no risk of losing anything.
How often should I clear recent files?
Up to you. Some folks do it weekly, others daily or whenever they feel like it. If you’re handling sensitive stuff, better to wipe it often.
Can I recover the recent files list after clearing?
Once it’s cleared, it’s gone from view — no getting it back. But your actual files will still be there. That’s the main thing.
Will turning this off stuff things up?
Nah, it only changes what shows up in Quick Access and some recent activity views. Everything else keeps ticking along fine.
Summary
- Open File Explorer and head to the View tab.
- Click Options to open Folder Options.
- In the General tab, untick “Show recently used files in Quick access”.
- Hit Clear if you want to wipe what’s there now.
- Restart File Explorer or your PC if the settings aren’t playing ball.
Hopefully, that saves someone a bit of hassle. Disabling recent files isn’t a perfect privacy fix, but it’s a quick step in the right direction. Just keep an eye on your privacy settings because Windows can hide things in the strangest spots.