Recent files missing from File Explorer

Dear Piet,

A recent change, likely stemming from a Windows 11 update, has caused the "Recent," "Favorites," and "Shared" sections to disappear from the File Explorer "Home" view for some users. This is a known issue, and while a permanent fix from Microsoft is pending, several troubleshooting steps can restore this functionality.

The most common and effective solutions involve checking File Explorer and system-wide settings that control the display of recent items.

1. Verify Folder Options Settings

First, ensure the core setting to display recent files is enabled within File Explorer's options:

Open File Explorer.

Click the three-dot menu (...) in the command bar and select "Options".

In the "Folder Options" window, go to the "General" tab.

Under the "Privacy" section, make sure the box for "Show recently used files" is checked. You may also want to ensure "Show frequently used folders" is checked.

Click "Apply" and then "OK".

2. Check Windows Personalization Settings

A system-wide setting also governs the display of recent items across Windows:

Open Settings (Windows key + I).

Navigate to "Personalization" and then select "Start".

Ensure the toggle for "Show recently opened items in Start, Jump Lists, and File Explorer" is turned on.

3. Reset Folder Views

If the settings are correct, resetting the folder views to their defaults can often resolve the issue:

Open File Explorer and go to "Options" as described in the first step.

Go to the "View" tab.

Click on the "Reset Folders" button.

Confirm the action and then click "OK".

4. Clear File Explorer History

Clearing the File Explorer history can also help to refresh the "Recent files" view:

1. In the "Folder Options" window (under the "General" tab), click the "Clear" button next to "Clear File Explorer history."
2. Click "OK".A recent change, likely stemming from a Windows 11 update, has caused the "Recent," "Favorites," and "Shared" sections to disappear from the File Explorer "Home" view for some users. This is a known issue, and while a permanent fix from Microsoft is pending, several troubleshooting steps can restore this functionality. The most common and effective solutions involve checking File Explorer and system-wide settings that control the display of recent items. 1. Verify Folder Options Settings First, ensure the core setting to display recent files is enabled within File Explorer's options:
   1. Open File Explorer.
   2. Click the three-dot menu (...) in the command bar and select "Options".
   3. In the "Folder Options" window, go to the "General" tab.
   4. Under the "Privacy" section, make sure the box for "Show recently used files" is checked. You may also want to ensure "Show frequently used folders" is checked.
   5. Click "Apply" and then "OK".
   2. Check Windows Personalization Settings A system-wide setting also governs the display of recent items across Windows:
   1. Open Settings (Windows key + I).
   2. Navigate to "Personalization" and then select "Start".
   3. Ensure the toggle for "Show recently opened items in Start, Jump Lists, and File Explorer" is turned on.
   3. Reset Folder Views If the settings are correct, resetting the folder views to their defaults can often resolve the issue:
   1. Open File Explorer and go to "Options" as described in the first step.
   2. Go to the "View" tab.
   3. Click on the "Reset Folders" button.
   4. Confirm the action and then click "OK".
   4. Clear File Explorer History Clearing the File Explorer history can also help to refresh the "Recent files" view:
   1. In the "Folder Options" window (under the "General" tab), click the "Clear" button next to "Clear File Explorer history."
   2. Click "OK".

Best Regards,