Manage File History in Ubuntu Linux
You manage File History in Ubuntu Linux by controlling the display of recently used files and folders.
Ubuntu’s “recent files” feature creates a quick access list of documents and applications you’ve opened, typically appearing in your file manager’s sidebar.
This built-in tool helps you find your work faster, but you might want to disable it for privacy reasons. You can easily toggle this feature on or off directly within the Ubuntu Settings application.
Manage File History in Ubuntu by opening Settings, navigating to Privacy, and then selecting File History & Trash. Toggle the File History switch to enable or disable the feature and set its duration.
How to enable or disable file history in Ubuntu Linux
You can easily turn Ubuntu file history management on or off directly from your system settings, controlling whether your system remembers recently opened files and folders.
If you prefer not to see recently used files, the steps below will guide you through disabling or enabling them.
Ubuntu Linux keeps most of its settings in one place. You can manage everything from system configurations to user creation and updates within the System Settings panel.

Alternatively, click the System menu in the top-right corner of your desktop’s top bar.
Then, select Settings from the menu, as shown below.

Click the Privacy tile to open its panel in the Settings app.

In the System Settings -> Privacy panel, select File History & Trash to open that section.
In the System Settings -> Privacy -> File History & Trash settings pane, toggle the File History switch to the Off position to disable it.
To re-enable this feature, simply switch the File History toggle back to On.


Please note, this setting won’t affect how your web browser stores information about the sites you visit.
That’s all there is to it! You can now close the Settings app.
Conclusion:
- Disabling or enabling the file history in Ubuntu Linux can help you manage your privacy and access to recent files and folders effectively.
- Following the simple steps outlined in this post, you can easily customize the file history settings to suit your preferences.
- Remember that this setting does not affect how your web browser stores information about the websites you visit, so consider additional privacy measures if needed.
- Understanding and controlling these settings empowers you to balance convenience and privacy while using Ubuntu Linux.
By following the steps here, you can customize your file history settings to match what you prefer and manage your privacy in Ubuntu Linux.
What is the Ubuntu file manager?
ubuntu. Nautilus is the default file manager in Ubuntu. It has a simple, user-friendly interface that supports a range of workflows. However, users who need advanced features, greater flexibility, and more customization options may need to explore alternative file managers.
How to see history of files in Linux?
To see it, issue the ls -a command. You can operate on the . bash_history file as you would any other plain ASCII text file. The three related environment variables you need to be aware of are HISTFILE, HISTFILESIZE, and HISTSIZE.
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Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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