How To Clear Recently Accessed Files/Folders List

This article relates to both Windows 10 and Windows 11 and refers to the list of recently accessed files and/or folders maintained in File Explorer.

File Explorer maintains a record of all accessed files and folders, which accumulates over time until the list becomes very lengthy. For some users, this can create a privacy issue.

For example, if you share a “family” PC, use a PC at work, or in any situation where privacy is paramount – as in you don’t want others to see what files/folders you’ve been accessing – you can easily and quickly clear those items from File Explorer’s history.

If you want to check that list, do this:

• Open a Run command (press the Windows Key + R)
• Type recent into the Run dialogue box and hit Enter

If you’re regularly using something like PrivaZer to clean the system that list could be quite short. However, if you’re not performing regular maintenance, you might be shocked at the result.

Clear List Of Recently Accessed Files/Folders

• Open a Run command (press the Windows key + R)
• Type control folders into the Run dialogue box and press Enter
• In the File Explorer window that opens, go to “Clear File Explorer history” under “Privacy” and click the Clear button:

(Windows 10)

(Windows 11)

NOTE: This action will also clear shortcuts to recently accessed files/folders from the “Quick Access” listing

BOTTOM LINE:

As I mentioned earlier, this is purely a privacy concern. In my case, as a single user and the only one who ever accesses my PC, it is not so much of a concern. I also regularly clean the system using PrivaZer which helps keep that list under control.

However, if you’re in a situation where privacy is a concern, you now know how to clear those references in File Explorer to all the files and folders you’ve accessed.

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