How To Clear Recent Files History in File Explorer in Windows 11 & 10

Learn how to clear the recent files history in the File Explorer on Windows 11 and Windows 10 in simple steps.

By defaultWindows tracks recently accessed files and displays them in the ‘Recent Files’ section of File Explorerordered by recency. This makes it easy to keep track of and open your recent files with just a few clicks.

While this feature is helpfulthere might be times when you don’t want your recently opened files listed in the File Explorer. This is especially true for private files such as financial documents. Thankfullyyou can easily clear the recent files list in File Explorer with just a couple of clicks without disabling the feature entirely.

In this quick and easy guidelet me show you the steps to delete or clear recent files in File Explorer in Windows 11 and Windows 10. Let’s get started.

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Steps to Delete or Clear Recent Files in File Explorer

On Windows 11:

1. Press “Windows key + E” to open File Explorer.
2. Click the “See more” (…) icon on the command bar.
3. Select “Options“.
4. Go to the “General” tab.
5. Click the “Clear” button under the “Privacy” section.
6. Click “OK“.
7. With thatyou’ve cleared the recent files history in Windows 11.

On Windows 10:

1. Open the File Explorer by pressing the “Windows key + E” shortcut.
2. Go to the “View” tab at the top.
3. Click the “Options” button at the end of the ribbon menu.
4. Go to the “General” tab.
5. Click the “Clear” button under the “Privacy” section.
6. Click “OK“.
7. With thatthe recent files history is cleared in File Explorer.

Detailed Steps (With Screenshots)

Firstopen File Explorer by pressing the “Windows key + E” shortcut. Alternativelysearch for it in the Start menu and click on it to launch.

Once the File Explorer opensclick the “View” tab at the top. Nextclick the “Options” button at the end of the ribbon menu. This is the option that lets you change several File Explorer settings.

The above action opens the Folder Options windowwhere you can customize how File Explorer works in Windows. Ensure you are in the “General” tab and click the “Clear” button under the Privacy section.

That is all. As soon as you click the Clear buttonFile Explorer will delete the recent files list.

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Wrapping Up — Clearing Recent Files in File Explorer

As you can seeif you don’t want to see your recent files in the File Explorerfollowing the above stepsyou can clear the list with just a few clicks. Keep in mind that you’ve only cleared the list. That means any files you open after clearing the list will be listed again under “Recent Files”. If you want that happeningyou should disable the Recent Files feature completely.

If you have any questions or need helpcomment below. I’ll be happy to assist.

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Update: This guide has been updated to add steps specific to Windows 11 and simplify the language.