Efficiently Clear Recent Files in Windows 10 File Explorer- A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Clear Recent Files in Windows 10 File Explorer

Are you tired of seeing a cluttered list of recently opened files in Windows 10 File Explorer? Do you want to keep your file system organized and private? Clearing recent files in Windows 10 File Explorer is a simple process that can help you achieve this. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to clear recent files in Windows 10 File Explorer.

Step 1: Open File Explorer

The first step to clear recent files in Windows 10 File Explorer is to open the File Explorer. You can do this by clicking on the File Explorer icon on the taskbar, or by pressing the Windows key + E on your keyboard.

Step 2: Access the View Tab

Once the File Explorer is open, click on the “View” tab at the top of the window. This tab contains various options to customize the appearance of your File Explorer.

Step 3: Click on Options

In the View tab, you will see an “Options” button on the right side of the ribbon. Click on this button to open the File Explorer Options dialog box.

Step 4: Go to the Privacy Tab

In the File Explorer Options dialog box, click on the “Privacy” tab. This tab contains settings related to the privacy and security of your File Explorer.

Step 5: Clear Recent Files

In the Privacy tab, you will find a section labeled “Clear recent files and folders.” Check the box next to “Clear” to remove the list of recently opened files and folders from the File Explorer.

Step 6: Confirm Your Selection

After checking the “Clear” box, click on the “OK” button to confirm your selection. The list of recent files and folders will be cleared from the File Explorer.

Alternative Method: Use the Command Prompt

If you prefer using the Command Prompt, you can also clear recent files in Windows 10 File Explorer. Here’s how:

1. Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard to open the Quick Access Menu.
2. Select “Command Prompt (Admin)” or “Windows PowerShell (Admin)” from the list of options.
3. In the Command Prompt or PowerShell window, type the following command and press Enter:

“`
reg delete HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\ComDlg32\LastVisitedPlaces /va /f
“`

This command will delete the registry key that stores the list of recent files and folders, effectively clearing them from the File Explorer.

Conclusion

Clearing recent files in Windows 10 File Explorer is a straightforward process that can help you maintain a clean and organized file system. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily remove the list of recently opened files and folders from the File Explorer. Whether you prefer using the File Explorer Options dialog box or the Command Prompt, both methods are effective in achieving the desired result.