How to Hide Recent Items in Windows 11

This post shows students and new users steps to disable or hide recently used items, including files and folders in Windows 11.

By default, Windows tracks some of your recent activities, including files and folders accessed, recently used apps, and others added to the “Recommended” section on the Start menu.

Hiding recent files and folders in Windows 11 can be helpful for users who are concerned about their privacy and do not want their recent activities tracked or displayed in the Start menu’s Recommended section. It can also be useful for those who share their computer with others and do not want their recent activities visible to others using the same device.

By disabling this feature, recent files and folders will not be displayed in the Recommended section of the Start menu, and users can keep their recent activities private.

Disable recently opened items

To disable or turn off recently used items tracking on Windows 11, click on Start and go to Settings, as shown in the image below.

In the Systems Settings page, locate the sidebar on the left and click “Personalization.” In the options to the right of the window, scroll down and select “Start.”

On the “Start” settings page, toggle the switch next to “Show recommended files in Start, recent files in File Explorer, and items in Jump Lists” to “Off.”

That will prevent Windows 11 from remembering recent items in the Recommended section.

This will not affect your web browsing history and other web activities. You must turn off tracking in the browser on the browser settings page.

Conclusion:

• Disabling the tracking of recently used items in Windows 11 enhances privacy.
• Users sharing devices can prevent others from viewing their activities.
• The settings are easily accessible through the Start menu and System Settings.
• Turning off this feature does not impact web browsing history; separate settings are required for browser privacy.
• Maintaining control over recent activity helps in personal data management and comfort while using shared computers.