How to Clear Recent Files on Windows 11
Windows 11, the latest operating system from Microsoft, offers a sleek and modern interface with a plethora of new features. One of the most common tasks users perform on their computers is managing recent files. However, sometimes, these files can clutter your system and slow down its performance. In this article, we will guide you through the process of how to clear recent files on Windows 11.
Step 1: Access the File Explorer
To begin with, you need to access the File Explorer. There are several ways to do this:
1. Click on the “Start” button and type “File Explorer” in the search bar.
2. Press the “Windows” key + E to open the File Explorer directly.
3. If you have a taskbar, you can find the File Explorer icon and click on it.
Step 2: Navigate to the Recent Files Folder
Once the File Explorer is open, navigate to the “Recent” folder. This folder contains a list of files and folders that you have recently accessed on your computer. To find the Recent folder, follow these steps:
1. In the left pane of the File Explorer, click on “Quick Access.”
2. Scroll down and click on “Recent.”
Step 3: Clear Recent Files
Now that you have accessed the Recent folder, you can clear the recent files from your system. Here are the steps to follow:
1. In the Recent folder, you will see a list of files and folders.
2. To clear all recent files, right-click on any file or folder in the list and select “Clear Recent.”
3. A confirmation dialog box will appear. Click “Yes” to confirm the action.
Alternatively, you can clear recent files by using the following methods:
1. Click on the “Clear” button located at the top of the Recent folder.
2. Press the “Ctrl” + “Shift” + “Delete” keys simultaneously. This will open the Delete Items dialog box. Check the “Files in the Recycle Bin” option and click “Delete.”
Step 4: Confirm Deletion
After confirming the deletion of recent files, the selected files will be moved to the Recycle Bin. If you want to permanently delete the files without moving them to the Recycle Bin, you can follow these steps:
1. Open the Recycle Bin by double-clicking on its icon on the desktop or by pressing “Windows” key + E.
2. Find the deleted files in the Recycle Bin.
3. Right-click on the files and select “Empty Recycle Bin.”
4. Confirm the action by clicking “Yes” in the confirmation dialog box.
Conclusion
By following these simple steps, you can easily clear recent files on Windows 11 and keep your system clutter-free. Regularly clearing recent files can help improve your computer’s performance and make it easier to find the files you need.
