How to Delete Recent Open Files in Windows 11
Are you looking for a way to delete recent open files in Windows 11? Whether you want to clear your browsing history, remove recently accessed documents, or simply manage your privacy, deleting recent open files can be a useful task. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to delete recent open files in Windows 11, ensuring that your system remains clean and secure.
Understanding Recent Open Files
Recent open files are a feature in Windows 11 that keeps track of the documents, applications, and files you have recently accessed. This feature is convenient for quickly finding files you’ve worked on, but it can also clutter your system and compromise your privacy. By deleting recent open files, you can maintain a cleaner and more organized system.
Step-by-Step Guide to Delete Recent Open Files in Windows 11
1. Open File Explorer: Press the Windows key + E to open File Explorer.
2. Access the Recent Files Section: In the left-hand pane, click on “Quick Access” to expand it. You will see a list of recent files and folders.
3. Clear Recent Files: Right-click on the “Recent Files” section and select “Clear Recent Files.” A confirmation dialog will appear, asking if you want to clear the list. Click “Yes” to proceed.
4. Clear Recent Folders: If you also want to clear recent folders, right-click on the “Recent Folders” section and select “Clear Recent Folders.” Again, a confirmation dialog will appear, asking for confirmation. Click “Yes” to proceed.
5. Manage Privacy Settings: To prevent Windows 11 from tracking recent files and folders in the future, you can adjust your privacy settings. Go to Settings > Privacy > General. Under “History,” you can toggle the switches for “Get tips, tricks, and suggestions as you use Windows” and “Suggest apps and folders to open” to off.
Alternative Methods to Delete Recent Open Files
If you prefer using alternative methods to delete recent open files in Windows 11, here are a couple of options:
1. Using the Command Prompt: Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog. Type “cmd” and press Enter. In the Command Prompt, type “reg delete HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\RunMRU /va /f” and press Enter. This will delete the recent open files registry entry.
2. Using PowerShell: Press Windows key + X and select “Windows PowerShell (Admin)” or “Command Prompt (Admin).” In the PowerShell or Command Prompt window, type “Get-ItemProperty HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\RunMRU” and press Enter. This will display the recent open files registry entry. You can then delete the entry using the “Remove-ItemProperty” command.
Conclusion
Deleting recent open files in Windows 11 is a straightforward process that can help you maintain a clean and organized system. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily clear your recent files and folders, ensuring your privacy and system performance.
