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To stop Windows 11 showing recently accessed items in File Explorer, open View > Options, clear the Privacy checkboxes for recently used files and frequently used folders, then select Apply. This hides those listings; it does not delete the files.
Turn off recent files and frequent folders in File Explorer
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Open File Explorer.
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Select View > Options. Depending on the Windows 11 version, the landing area may be called Home rather than Quick access; Microsoft describes Home as the renamed Quick access experience. See Microsoft’s File Explorer guidance.
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In the Privacy section, clear the checkboxes for showing recently used files and frequently used folders.
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Select Apply. Quick access will then show only pinned folders, according to Microsoft.
#1 Best Overall
Dell Latitude 3190 11.6" HD 2-in-1 Touchscreen Laptop Intel N5030 1.1Ghz 8GB Ram 128GB SSD Windows 11 Professional (Renewed)- 1.1 GHz (boost up to 2.4GHz) Intel Celeron N5030 Quad-Core
Hide recent items across Start and Jump Lists too
If you want to hide recently opened items beyond File Explorer, open Settings > Personalization > Start and turn off Show recently opened items in Start, Jump Lists, and File Explorer. This control applies to all three listed surfaces, not just File Explorer. Microsoft documents it in its guidance on focus settings.
Remove just one item from Quick access
To remove a single listing without disabling the categories, right-click or long-press the item and select Remove from Quick access. Microsoft notes that previously removed files may appear again if you turn the recent-item options back on.
Rank #2
- 256 GB SSD of storage.
- Multitasking is easy with 16GB of RAM
- Equipped with a blazing fast Core i5 2.00 GHz processor.
What these settings do not clear
The File Explorer Privacy checkboxes control recent-file and frequent-folder listings; they do not erase the files or clear all Windows activity history. Activity history is a separate setting at Settings > Privacy & security > Activity history. Microsoft explains its locally stored activity data, clearing controls, and relationship to Timeline in Windows activity history and your privacy.
Microsoft’s Activity history documentation also notes that sending activity history to Microsoft was deprecated for Windows 11 versions 23H2 and 22H2 with the January 23, 2024 update. That version-specific change is separate from hiding File Explorer listings.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- 【Efficient Performance】 Powered by Intel Core i3 processor (2 cores, 4 threads, up to 3.4GHz) with 12GB RAM and 256GB SSD. Handles multitasking, office software, online classes, and HD video streaming smoothly. Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620
- Backlit Keyboard & Complete Package】Comes with a cool backlit keyboard. Comes with awebcam, dual stereo speakers (8Ω/1.0W each), DC charger, and user manual – ready for late-night studying, online classes, video conferencing, and daily productivity
- 【Vibrant Display】 15.6-inch Full HD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with 16:9 aspect ratio delivers crisp images and vivid colors – perfect for studying, watching lectures, or entertainment. Thin-bezel design maximizes viewing area
- 【Fast Connectivity & Expansion】 Equipped with WiFi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.2 for stable, high-speed wireless. Features 3 x USB 3.0, HDMI 2.1, Type-C (supports PD3.0 fast charging), and a TF card slot expandable up to 2TB – easily connect external monitors, mice, drives, or expand storage for all your files
- 【Long Battery Life & Portable】 Built-in 11.55V 5000mAh/57.75Wh high-capacity battery delivers approximately 7 hours of mixed-use battery life – enough for a full day of classes and assignments. Lightweight at just 1.63kg (3.6 lbs) and 19.5mm thin, plus a compact packing size – easily slips into a backpack for campus, library, or coffee shop
Rank #3
- 14" diagonal, 1366x768 resolution, HD BrightView LED, Glossy NON-TOUCH Display
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