My recent files are not appearing on the taskbar

Question

My recent powerpoint and pdf files show up on the taskbar, but my recent Excel and Word files do not.  How can I fix it?

Answer 1

Hi Johnny,

I understand that it must be frustrating, but rest assured, we are here to help fix the issue and guide you in the right direction.

To help you suggest steps to resolve the issue, I would appreciate if you could answer the following questions:

1.       Is the issue specific with office files?

2.       When was the last time the files appeared on the taskbar?

3.       Do you have any anti-virus program installed on the computer?

4.       Are you aware of any recent software or hardware changes on the computer?

You can pin items to the Excel Jump List by dragging the file and dropping it on the Excel Taskbar icon.

You may rebuild the jump list and check if it helps.

1. Open Windows Explorer.
2. Type or copy and paste the following into the address bar:

%AppData%\Microsoft\Windows\Recent\AutomaticDestinations

1. Identify files that are comparatively larger in size than the rest of the file, such as files that have file size of 1 MB or more.

Delete the abnormal file.

Tip: If you do not want to retain the Jump Lists’ recent items history on all applications, just delete all the automatic Destinations-ms files in the folder.

1. The recent items functionality on Jump Lists will be restored. The recent items on the Jump Lists will be re-added as the program is been used. However, do note that the solution does not restore the previously pinned items. So user will have to pin new items again.

Hope this helps and do let us know if you need further assistance. We will be glad to help.

Answer 2

Thanks for your response.  The problem is not specific to Office files....powerpoint works fine.  This is a new computer so the pinning has never worked.  I have McAfee antivirus installed. 

I don't have a "Recent" folder.  I have a "Recent Items" folder.

I have already tried deleting all of the ms files and it didn't work.

Answer 3

Hi Johnny,

I would suggest you to follow the steps to reset the Recent Items folder and verify if it helps.

1. Right click on Task bar, click on properties.
2. Click on start menu Tab.

Uncheck & recheck on store and display recently opened items in the start menu and the taskbar.

4. Click on Apply and OK.

You may also go through the steps from the thread and check if it helps.

Note: Do not forget to backup the registry before you go through the steps to modify the registry.

Here is an article on showing or hiding recent items on the start screen.

Hope this information was helpful and do let us know if you need further assistance. We will be glad to help.

Answer 4

I've spent several days reading every post that I've read.  I've deleted the ms files in the Recent Items folder and the Custom Items folder.  I've repaired my Microsoft Office suite.  I've selected and unselected check boxes.  I've restarted my computer.  Nothing has worked!  

I'm still not able to pin my Word and Excel documents to the taskbar, or see the recent ones that I've opened.  Any other suggestions would be much appreciated!!!