Set Windows 10 File Explorer Not To Record Frequent Folders & Recent Files

The Windows 10 File Explorer has added features such as the Quick Access where it will list the recently opened folders under the Frequent Folders section and the recently opened files under the Recent Files section. The Quick Access provides convenience in productivity so that you can easily open the folders and files that you are working on instead of going through the labyrinth of folders over and over again. Your privacy would not be a problem if you are the only person who uses your computer and it is password protected. On the other hand, you can also set the Quick Access to stop recording your recently opened folders and files so that the list does not clutter the File Explorer as well as for privacy reasons.

The Quick Access showing the recently opened folder and file.

Here are the steps to set the Quick Access feature of the Windows 10 File Explorer to stop listing the frequently opened folders and files.

1. Right-click the QUICK ACCESS on the right pane of the File Explorer window and choose OPTIONS to open the Folder Options dialogue window.


2. Click the CLEAR button under the "Privacy" category to clear the list first.


3. Click the tick boxes labeled "Show recently used files in Quick access" and "Show frequently used folders in Quick access" respectively to remove the check marks in them.


4. Click the OK button to save the settings.