How to Hide Recent Files in Windows 11
Windows 11, the latest operating system from Microsoft, offers a sleek and modern interface with various features designed to enhance user experience. One such feature is the ability to view recent files, which can be helpful for quickly accessing documents and applications you’ve used recently. However, for some users, having recent files displayed can be intrusive or clutter the interface. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to hide recent files in Windows 11.
Step 1: Open File Explorer
To begin, open File Explorer by clicking on the folder icon in the taskbar or pressing the Windows key + E on your keyboard.
Step 2: Access the Folder Options
Once File Explorer is open, click on the “View” tab at the top of the window. In the “Show/Hide” group, click on “Options.”
Step 3: Navigate to the View Tab
In the Folder Options window that appears, click on the “View” tab. This tab contains various settings related to how files and folders are displayed in File Explorer.
Step 4: Uncheck “Show Recently Used Files in Quick Access”
In the “View” tab, scroll down to the “Files and Folders” section. Look for the option “Show recently used files in Quick Access” and uncheck the box next to it. This will hide recent files from appearing in the Quick Access section of File Explorer.
Step 5: Hide Recent Files in File Explorer
To further ensure that recent files are not displayed in File Explorer, scroll down to the “Files and Folders” section and uncheck the box next to “Show all folders.” This will prevent recent files from being visible in the file list.
Step 6: Hide Recent Files in File Explorer Search
If you want to prevent recent files from appearing in the search results when you search within File Explorer, scroll down to the “Search” section and uncheck the box next to “Show search suggestions and files in the Quick Access section.”
Step 7: Apply and Close
After making the necessary changes, click “Apply” and then “OK” to save the settings. The changes will take effect immediately, and recent files will no longer be displayed in Windows 11.
By following these simple steps, you can easily hide recent files in Windows 11 and maintain a cleaner and more organized interface.
