How to Clear Windows 10 Quick Access History in File Explorer

The Quick Access feature in Windows 10 lets you access frequently used files and folders easily. However, you might want to clear it out periodically.

Windows 10 introduces a new feature in File Explorer called “Quick Access”. It replaces the Favorites feature that was in previous versions of Windows. The new feature allows you easy access files and folder you frequently use, no matter their location, i.e., a network location or OneDrive.

Windows 10’s new Quick Access feature in File Explorer

Quick Access can make your workflow faster and improve productivity. It makes it so you don’t have to navigate to a file or folder that’s buried deep in a directory in the file system. However, you might want to delete the Quick Access history periodically if you want to help maintain some privacy or make a fresh start.

Clear Windows 10 Quick Access History

Click Start and type: file explorer options and hit Enter or click the option at the top of the search results.

Now in the Privacy section make sure both boxes are checked for recently used files and folder in Quick Access and click the Clear button.

That’s it. This comes in handy if you’re working on different projects and need to start off with a clean slate of new files and folders. It also helps your privacy by not showing the items you’re accessing a lot. When people are passing by or looking over your shoulder, you might not want certain things showing up.

If you’re not a fan of Quick Access, you can make Windows 10 open File Explorer to This PC instead.

For more about using File Explorer, check out our article on tips for managing files and folders in Windows 10.

What’s your opinion on the Quick Access view in Windows 10? Are you a fan or prefer the classic This PC view? Let us know in the comment section below.