The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →To hide recent files in the Windows 11 Start menu, open Start > Settings > Personalization > Start and turn off Show recently opened items in Start, Jump Lists, and File Explorer. This is a display setting: it does not delete the files. It also affects Jump Lists and File Explorer, not just Start. Microsoft documents the toggle here.
Turn off recently opened items in Start
- Select Start, then Settings.
- Choose Personalization > Start.
- Switch off Show recently opened items in Start, Jump Lists, and File Explorer.
Microsoft describes this setting as the control for showing or hiding recently opened items across those three places. The files themselves remain on your PC.
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What else does this setting affect?
The wording of the switch is important: it is broader than the Start menu. Turning it off also hides recently opened items in Jump Lists and File Explorer. If you want to hide recent files only in one File Explorer view, use that view’s separate privacy settings instead.
Hide recommendations in Start
Start’s Recommended area can include recently opened files. Microsoft says you can turn off recommended providers; when all providers are disabled, the recommendation sections collapse. This removes those sections rather than serving as a replacement for the recently opened items toggle above. See Microsoft’s Start menu guidance.
#1 Best Overall
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 14.1" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy ergonomic support with the integrated cushioned wrist rest.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a sleek black carbon color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.8 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
Use File Explorer’s separate privacy controls
Quick access and pinned folders
To hide recent files or frequent folders in Quick access, open File Explorer Options and, on the General tab, clear the privacy checkboxes for recently used files and frequently used folders. Microsoft says Quick access can then show only pinned folders. Microsoft’s instructions for File Explorer.
File Explorer Home
File Explorer Options also contains separate privacy choices for including account-based insights and recent, favorite, and recommended files in Home. These choices control File Explorer Home, not the Start menu. Review the Home settings.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Related Windows privacy settings that do something different
App launch tracking
The app-launch setting personalizes Start and search based on the apps you launch; it is not the recent-file visibility switch. Current Microsoft guidance places it under Settings > Privacy & security > Recommendations & offers. Older Windows 11 versions may show the setting under General instead. See Microsoft’s privacy settings guidance.
Recommended Free Tools
Activity History
Activity History is a separate feature that stores activity locally and has its own controls to stop saving that history or clear it. Hiding recent items in Start does not itself clear Activity History. Microsoft explains Activity History and its controls.
Rank #3
- Note: Not suitable for MacBooks released after 2023 or devices with a protruding front camera; Not applicable to full-screen or notch-style tempered glass screen protectors; Do not use on the rear camera of the phone.
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If you cannot find the switch
Open the Start page under Settings > Personalization and confirm Windows is updated. Do not confuse a change to the app-launch tracking location—now listed in Recommendations & offers on current Microsoft guidance—with the separate recently opened items control.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 12" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy laptop support with the integrated device ledge.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a blush pink color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.14 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
Rank #4
- Anti-Slip Surface - Transform your laptop into a mobile workstation with the AboveTEK portable laptop lap desk. The anti-slip surface provides a strong grip for laptops up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), while the double rubber strip on the bottom ensures a stable display or typing experience on your lap, couch, or bed.
- Retractable Mouse Pad - Retractable laptop mouse pad extends on both directions for the left/right handed with elevation along the edges for stopping mouse from falling off. The size of laptop tray is 14" X 9.7" and the size of mouse pad is 7.4" X 6.1".
- Effective Heat Shield - The effective heat shield made of sturdy and thick material protects your laptop from overheating. Prioritizes your comfort and safety, an ideal lap pad or board for working anywhere.
- EASY to Carry and Store - With an ergonomic and simplistic design, the lap desk is portable to store in a backpack. Only 15" in size, 2.2 lb of weight and with slim 0.6 inch thickness, it is ready to be easily carried around.
- Widely Applicable - The smooth platform accommodates laptops and tablets up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), making it a versatile accessory and one of the best gifts for mom, dad, students and professionals. Perfect for use as a laptop bed tray or tablet holder anywhere at home, library, or park.
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