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Windows 11’s File Explorer keeps a history of the files and folders you have recently accessed. This feature can be helpful for quick access but might raise privacy concerns for some users. Disabling File Explorer history stops Windows from showing your recent files and frequent folders.

If you prefer to keep your file activity private or want to clear clutter from File Explorer, turning off history is a simple process. This guide will walk you through the steps with clear explanations.

The instructions are designed for beginners, so no technical skills are required. By following this guide, you’ll easily disable File Explorer history and control what is shown in your system’s file browsing experience.

Let’s start by understanding what you need to check before making changes.

Quick Note Before You Begin

• Make sure you are signed in with an account that has administrative privileges. Some settings require admin access to change.
• Understand that disabling File Explorer history will remove quick access to recent files and folders, which might slow down your workflow if you rely on it.
• Backing up important files is always a good idea before making system changes, even minor ones.

Step 1: Open File Explorer Options

The first step is to access the settings where File Explorer history is managed.

1. Click the Start button or press the Windows key on your keyboard.
2. Type File Explorer Options in the search bar. You may also see it as Folder Options.
3. Click on the File Explorer Options app that appears in the search results.

This window controls how File Explorer behaves, including how it handles your history and privacy.

Step 2: Disable File Explorer History

After opening File Explorer Options, you will find the settings related to history and privacy.

1. In the File Explorer Options window, go to the General tab if it is not already selected.
2. Look for the Privacy section at the bottom of this window.
3. Here, you will see two checkboxes:
• Show recently used files in Quick access
• Show frequently used folders in Quick access
4. Uncheck both boxes to disable the history tracking in File Explorer.
5. Click the Clear button next to Clear File Explorer history to remove all previously saved history.
6. Finally, click OK to save your changes and close the window.

Disabling these options stops Windows from displaying your recent files and frequently accessed folders in Quick access.

Step 3: Verify the Changes

After disabling the history, it’s important to confirm that your settings are working correctly.

1. Open File Explorer by pressing Windows + E or clicking its icon on the taskbar.
2. Check the Quick access section on the left pane.
3. You should no longer see your recent files or frequently used folders listed there.

If you still see any recent activity, try restarting your computer to ensure the changes take full effect.

Alternative Method: Disable File Explorer History Using Registry Editor

If you want a more advanced option or the above method does not work, you can disable File Explorer history through the Windows Registry. This method is recommended only for users comfortable with editing system settings.

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type regedit and press Enter. This will open the Registry Editor.
3. If prompted by User Account Control, click Yes to allow Registry Editor to make changes.
4. In Registry Editor, navigate to the following path:
   HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerAdvanced
5. Look for a DWORD entry named Start_TrackDocs.
6. If it exists, double-click it and change its value to 0. If it does not exist, right-click in the right pane, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, name it Start_TrackDocs, and set its value to 0.
7. Close Registry Editor and restart your computer.

This disables tracking of recently opened documents system-wide, including File Explorer history.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Will disabling File Explorer history affect my files?

No, disabling history only stops Windows from showing your recent files and folders in Quick access. Your actual files remain unchanged and accessible.

Can I clear File Explorer history without disabling it?

Yes, you can clear the current history by clicking the Clear button in File Explorer Options without unchecking the history options.

How do I re-enable File Explorer history?

Simply go back to File Explorer Options and check the boxes for showing recent files and frequent folders, then click OK.

Does disabling File Explorer history improve system performance?

The performance impact is minimal. Disabling history primarily enhances privacy rather than speed.

Is it safe to edit the registry as described?

Editing the registry should be done carefully. Always back up your registry before making changes to avoid accidental system issues.

When Nothing Works

If you find that File Explorer history is still showing despite following these steps, consider these options:

• Restart your PC to apply all changes fully.
• Run Windows Update to ensure your system is up to date, as some bugs may affect settings.
• Create a new user profile and check if the problem persists there.
• Consult Microsoft’s official support pages or community forums for additional help: Microsoft Support.

Conclusion

Disabling File Explorer history in Windows 11 is a straightforward way to protect your privacy by preventing recent files and frequently used folders from appearing in Quick access. By accessing File Explorer Options, you can easily toggle off these settings and clear existing history.

For more control, the Registry Editor method offers an advanced alternative. Always proceed with caution when editing system settings and back up important data.

By following this guide, you can customize your file browsing experience in Windows 11 to better suit your needs and privacy preferences.