Windows has a unique way of keeping track of your digital habits by storing data based on your usage behavior. This information is organized into what are known as Most Recently Used (MRU) lists. These lists encompass recently opened documents, launched programs, and frequently accessed folders. If you’re looking to tidy up this data, the process is surprisingly straightforward.
Further reading: 5 tools that integrate your cloud storage into Windows File Explorer
How to delete MRU lists
Recently opened files and folders
To access your recently opened files and folders, simply press the Win-R key combination, type in the command recent, and hit OK. This action will launch Windows Explorer, displaying a list of your recent files. While these entries appear as shortcuts, the Details view will reveal the Shortcut designation in the Type column, allowing you to delete these entries without affecting the original files.
Switch off saving the list
If you prefer not to have Windows save this list of recently opened files, you can easily adjust your settings in Windows Explorer. For Windows 11 users, click on the three dots in Explorer, select Options, and uncheck the boxes for Show recently used files and Show frequently used folders. For those using Windows 10, these options can be found in the View menu.
Files in the Windows 11 Start menu
It’s important to note that deleting entries under Recent does not erase all MRU lists in Windows. You may still find lists of recently used documents appearing in the Windows 11 Start menu. To eliminate this, navigate to Windows settings and select Privacy and security > Activity history > Delete activity history > Delete. Additionally, uncheck the option for Save my activity history on this device.
Next, go to Personalization > Start in the settings and toggle the setting for Show recently opened items in Start, Jump Lists, and File Explorer to Off.
This guide aims to empower users to manage their digital footprint effectively, ensuring a more organized and private computing experience.
