How to clear quick access history in File Explorer on Windows 11

Quick Access is a cool feature in File Explorer introduced in Windows 10, replacing the Favorites option in older versions. The Quick Access feature remains in the Windows 11 operating system and continues to make it easier for you to access frequently used files and folders, regardless of their location.

Quick access features not only speed up your workflow, but also increase your overall productivity. It's more of a shortcut feature that guides you directly to your favorite files or folders located deep within a directory. However, there may be times when you want to delete your quick access history to start over, clear out clutter, or just hide some files or folders for privacy.

Whatever the reason may be, you can use the following methods to clear quick access history in File Explorer on Windows 11 PC.

How to View Quick Access History or Recent Files

The algorithm for recent files in Quick Access shortcuts works by displaying the 10 most recent files in chronological order. However, users can increase the number of recent files displayed by manually changing the settings. Therefore, the most recent files are placed at the top, followed by the previous files.

The quick access shortcut also lists pinned items in the same chronology, with the newest at the top, but they don't disappear, instead they keep changing their position. Once the number of pinned items reaches the limit specified in settings (default is 10), you need to unpin items to add more, or increase the limit in settings.

But, how to delete recent files? Let’s see how..

Method 1: Delete recent files using File Explorer option

Step 1:Press on your keyboard simultaneously Win R key to launch the Run Command window.

Step 2: In the Run command search bar, enter control.exe folder and Enter to open the file Explorer Options (Folder Options) window.

Step 3: In the "File Browse Options" window, the "General" tab , go to the "Privacy" section and click the "Clear" button.

When finished, press OK to exit.

Recent files in your Quick Accesshistory have now been deleted.

Method 2: Delete recent files using File Explorer and This PC

Step 1: Press the Win E shortcut key on your keyboard to open File Explorer window.

Step 2: In the File Explorer window, go to the left side of the pane and select This PC.

Step 3: Now, on the right side of the window, navigate to the three parallel dots located in the upper right corner, click on it and select the option from the menu.

Step 4: In the File Explore Options dialog box that opens, under the General tab, navigate to the Privacy field, and then Click Clear.

Now you have successfully deleted all recent files from Quick Access History.

Method 3: Use the AppData folder to delete recent files

Step 1: Go to Start, right-click on it and select Run.

Step 2: This will open the Run Command window.

Here, copy and paste the following path into the search field and press OK:

%AppData%\Microsoft\Windows\Recent\

Step 3: This will open the Recent folder for all recent files and folders in your user profile.

Select all apps, files, and folders and click Delete.

All recent files, folders and applications will not be deleted from Quick Access History.

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