Where are recent files in Windows 11? Step by step

Where are recent files in Windows 11? If you recently upgraded your computer to Windows 11 or are simply exploring its new features and want to know where recent files are in Windows 11, this article will clear up your doubts and also delve into other topics that you should keep in mind when using this operating system. 

Unlike previous versions, Windows 11 has changed its entire interface and moved its main functions around. In this article, we'll explain how to quickly and easily access recent files so you no longer have to wonder where are recent files in windows 11. 

You are probably a faithful friend of the “recent files” search option on your Windows computer. It is an extremely useful shortcut that saves us time when interacting with a file, game or program that we frequently use. If you have moved from another operating system to Windows 11, you may want to know what we will find in this article.

What are recent files in Windows 11 and why is it important to know their new location? 

Recent files is a list of media files, pdfs, documents, notes, videos, games, programs and other formats that you have recently used on your computer and have closed or downloaded. Therefore, These are all those files that you have recently visited and would probably like to visit again. If you are deprived of this option, you will have to search file by file in each folder without leaving yourself any other escape. 

In Windows 11, Microsoft has made this feature easier to access for all users, although paradoxically its location may not be as visible as in previous versions of the same operating system. Here's how to do it so you no longer have any doubts about where your recent files are in Windows 11. 

Of course, you should know that in Tecnobits We have a multitude of guides on Windows 11, such as this one on How to configure the display in Windows 11 step by step and many others. Just use our search engine and type Windows 11.

Find out where recent files are in Windows 11

There are several ways to access recent files in the Windows 11 operating system, below we will tell you what are the most common ways to access them. 

1. Using your computer's own File Explorer 

This tool is one of the best when it comes to sorting files, grouping them and finding their location in simple steps. To do this, you simply have to run the file explorer and search for your recent files. 

Once inside, in the Explorer window, go to the “Quick Access” option in the upper left panel. Here You will see a list of “Recent Files”. Just click on this option to see all the documents, images and other files that you have recently opened. 

2. Using the Start Menu

The start menu can be your main ally if you want to access recent files in Windows 11, to do this you must click on the Windows icon that It is located on the taskbar or look for the WINDOWS key on your keyboard. 

Now, there you will see an option called “recommended” that will show you the most frequently used files and applications you have used recently. If you do not find this, you should expand the list using the “MORE” button. 

3. Find recent files in the Windows search bar 

To use the Windows 1 search bar you need to click on the magnifying glass icon on the taskbar or press Windows + S. 

When you are there, all you need to do is type “Recent Files” in the search bar and select the option that invites you to “show recent files to access the complete list of all the programs you have been using recently. Now you know Where are the recent files in Windows 11? but it doesn't stop there.

Find out how you can customize recent files in Windows 11 

If you want Windows 11 to not show recent files in the Start menu or in File Explorer itself, you can simply adjust this setting to your liking. Below we provide a brief step-by-step guide. 

• Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
• Go to Settings > Home.
• Turn off the “Show recently opened items in Start, Shortcuts, and File Explorer” option.

In this manner You will be able to hide all recent files from the main menu view and still be able to access them through the explorer or just a search bar. This will give you greater privacy and security when handling your frequently used files. And this is how the recent files explorer in Windows 11 works. Another thing you know besides where are the recent files in Windows 11? 

The history of the files you use the most in Windows 11 simply concentrates on the activity you've had and how you've interacted with that file recently. That is, Every time you enter a file the operating system detects your movement and automatically adds it to the “recent files” list 

This works for all types of files ranging from musical notes to jpg images and text documents such as pdfs and google presentations. Everything you have opened in the last period of time will have its place in the list of “recent files in Windows 11”. Let’s go with a final information no less important about where are the recent files in Windows 11? 

Important information to know about Windows 11

It is important to note that the list does not include files that you have not opened directly. An example of this could be all the files that are launched indirectly and secondarily through the use of an app, game, or program. Windows 11 will only detect conscious and intended openings that let it know that the file is something you opened in the last period of time. 

Finally, you should know that Windows 11 It synchronizes with your Microsoft account so that when you log in on other devices, you can access your recent files again from any computer, no matter which one it is. This is ideal for those who work remotely or in cross-platform environments. to continue your work quickly in different places. We hope that you already know where are the recent files in Windows 11? and have learned something more. See you in the next article.