If you work with a lot of documents or files during the day, it is impractical to use the Recent Document list. And file names you've deleted often stay on the list for a while. Many folks keep a minimized copy of Windows Explorer or My Computer open at all times on their PC. When they need to open a file, they locate it and double-click on its file name.
If you would like to hide this list for security reasons, because you don't use it, or to de-clutter the Start menu window, follow the instructions below.
- Click Start | Control Panel. (If using Classic mode, click Start | Settings | Control Panel).
- From the Control Panel, double click Taskbar and Start Menu. (If in category view, click Appearances and Themes first).
- On the Taskbar and Start Menu window, click the Start Menu tab and click the Customize button.
- On the Customize Start Menu window, click the Advanced tab.
- On the lower part of the window, remove the checkmark from the List My Most Recently Opened Documents box.
- Click the Clear List button and click OK.
- On the previous window, click Apply and click OK.
Now when you click Start, you should not see the Recent Documents list any longer.
► Take a look at some of our other interesting posts, such as How to Change Cell or Column Widths in Excel
