Share via

Show Recent Files no longer works

A A 30 Reputation points
2026-03-13T01:30:26.6666667+00:00

When I select 'Show recently used files' in the Folder Options for the Home folder, it does not change the default and does not work after applying it. It used to work until the most recent update. How do I get Show Recent Files to work again?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Files, folders, and storage

Answer accepted by question author

AI answer

2026-03-13T01:30:37.5+00:00

In Windows 11, the Recent files section in File Explorer’s Home view is controlled by a system-wide privacy setting, not only by the Folder Options checkbox.

To get Show Recent Files working again:

  1. Open Settings (Windows key + I).
  2. Go to Personalization > Start.
  3. Turn On the toggle named: “Show recommended files in Start, recent files in Explorer, and items in Jump Lists”.
  4. Close Settings.
  5. Open File Explorer → Home and ensure Show recently used files is checked again in … (See more) → Options → General → Privacy.

When that Start/Explorer/Jumplist toggle is off, File Explorer will not retain the “Show recently used files” setting and Recent files will not appear, even if enabled in Folder Options.

References:

AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

Was this answer helpful?

1 person found this answer helpful.

0 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest

Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.