The Privacy Implications of Quick Access
When you open File Explorer in Windows 10, it defaults to the “Quick access” view. The bottom half of this view is dedicated to “Recent files,” displaying a list of the last 20 documents, images, and videos you opened, regardless of where they are actually stored on your hard drive. This is designed to help you quickly jump back into the project you were working on yesterday.
However, if you share your computer or frequently present your screen in meetings, this feature is a significant privacy concern. Anyone glancing at your File Explorer can immediately see that you recently opened a confidential payroll spreadsheet, a personal medical document, or a folder of private family photos. If you want to keep your file history private and prevent Windows from broadcasting your recent activity, you must disable the Recent files list.
How to Disable “Show Recent Files” in Quick Access
You can turn off this tracking feature in the Folder Options menu.
- Open File Explorer (press
Windows Key + E). - Click on the View tab at the very top of the window.
- On the far right side of the ribbon, click the Options button (or click the arrow under it and select “Change folder and search options”).
- In the Folder Options window that appears, make sure you are on the General tab.
- Look down at the “Privacy” section at the bottom.
- Uncheck the box next to Show recently used files in Quick access.
- (Optional) You can also click the Clear button in this section to immediately wipe your current file history.
- Click Apply and then OK.
The “Recent files” section will instantly vanish from your Quick access view, and File Explorer will only display your pinned folders, protecting your privacy from over-the-shoulder snooping.