Manage Recent Media Settings in Windows 11 Media Player

This guide shows you how to control the “Remember Recent Media” feature in the Windows 11 Media Player app.

The Windows Media Player app is a built-in tool that lets you watch videos, listen to music, and view photos. It is designed to help you organize and play your media collection easily. It supports many different file types and gives you simple controls like play, pause, and skip.

By default, Windows 11 saves your video files in the videos folder of your home directory. Your music files are automatically saved in the music folder of your home directory.

Why manage recent media?

The Media Player app keeps a list of everything you have watched or listened to on its Home page. You may want to turn this off if you share your computer with others and want to keep your viewing habits private.

What happens when done?

Once you turn this feature off, the app will stop tracking your history. Your “Recent media” list will disappear, keeping your playback activity hidden from view.

How to hide your recent media history

You can turn this feature off directly within the app settings. No admin privileges are required for these steps.

1. First, open the Windows Media Player app.
2. Click the Settings button located on the left sidebar of the app.

On the Settings page, scroll down until you see the Privacy section. Find the switch labeled Remember recent media and toggle it to the Off position.

That is all you need to do to hide your recently opened items.

Summary

Managing the “Remember Recent Media” setting is a quick way to keep your media activity private. By following these steps, you can stop the Media Player app from listing your past files on the Home page. This simple toggle gives you more control over your privacy while using your computer.