How to Clear Finder Recents on Mac
Are you tired of seeing a cluttered list of recently opened files in your Mac’s Finder? If so, you’re not alone. The “Finder Recents” feature can sometimes be overwhelming, especially if you frequently access a large number of files. However, clearing this list is a straightforward process that can help you maintain a cleaner and more organized desktop. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps on how to clear Finder Recents on your Mac.
Step 1: Open the Finder Preferences
The first step in clearing your Finder Recents is to access the Finder Preferences. To do this, click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen, select “Finder,” and then choose “Preferences” from the dropdown menu.
Step 2: Navigate to the General Tab
Once the Finder Preferences window opens, you’ll see several tabs at the top. Click on the “General” tab to view the settings related to the appearance and behavior of your Finder.
Step 3: Uncheck the “Show Recent Items” Option
In the General tab, you’ll find a list of options on the left side. Scroll down until you see the “Show Recent Items” option. By default, this option is checked, which means the Finder Recents list is displayed. To clear the list, simply uncheck this option.
Step 4: Close the Preferences Window
After unchecking the “Show Recent Items” option, click the “Close” button at the bottom of the Finder Preferences window. This will apply the changes, and your Finder Recents list will no longer be visible.
Step 5: Clearing Individual Items
If you want to clear individual items from the Finder Recents list instead of hiding the entire list, you can do so by following these steps:
1. Open the Finder Preferences window as described in Step 1.
2. Click on the “Recent Items” tab at the top of the window.
3. You’ll see a list of recently opened files and folders on the right side. To remove an item from the list, click on it and then click the “Remove” button next to it.
4. Repeat this process for each item you want to remove.
5. Close the Preferences window to apply the changes.
Conclusion
By following these simple steps, you can easily clear your Finder Recents on your Mac. Whether you want to hide the entire list or remove individual items, these instructions will help you maintain a cleaner and more organized desktop. Remember, keeping your Finder Recents tidy can improve your productivity and make it easier to find the files you need.
