Windows 7: Common Dialog Boxes - Enable or Disable Dropdown List of Recent Files

   Information

The common open file dialog box is the one that opens when you click on File (menu bar), and say either Open, Save, Import, or Export.

This will show you how to enable or disable the common open file dialog boxes drop down list of recent files for all users in Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8.

This does not affect auto suggest and auto complete.

You must be logged in as an administrator to be able to do the steps in this tutorial.

OPTION ONE

Using a REG File Download

1. To Enable Common Dialog Boxes Dropdown List of Recent Files
NOTE: This is the default setting.

A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 3 below.

Enable_Common_Dialog_Boxes_Dropdown_List_of_Recent_Files.reg

2. To Disable Common Dialog Boxes Dropdown List of Recent Files

A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 3 below.

Disable_Common_Dialog_Boxes_Dropdown_List_of_Recent_Files.reg

3.Save the .reg file to your Desktop.

4. Double click/tap on the downloaded .reg file to merge it.

5. Double click/tap on Run, Yes (UAC-Windows 7/8) or Continue (UAC-Vista), Yes, and OK when prompted.

6. If you have any common open file dialog boxes already opened, then close and reopen them to apply this setting to them.

7. When finished, you can delete the downloaded .reg file if you like.

OPTION TWO

Through the Local Group Policy Editor

1. Open the all users, specific users or groups, or all users except administrators Local Group Policy Editor for how you want this policy applied.

2. In the left pane, click/tap on to expand User Configuration, Administrative Templates, Windows Components, Windows Explorer (Vista and Windows 7) or File Explorer (Windows 8), and Common Open File Dialog. (see screenshot below)

3. In the right pane of Common Open File Dialog, double click/tap on Hide the dropdown list of recent files to edit it. (see screenshot above)

4. To Enable Common Dialog Boxes Dropdown List of Recent Files
NOTE: This is the default setting.

A) Select (dot) either Not Configured or Disabled. (see screenshot below step 6)

B) Go to step 6.

5. To Disable Common Dialog Boxes Dropdown List of Recent Files

A) Select (dot) Enabled. (see screenshot below step 6)

6. Click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below)

7. Close the Local Group Policy Editor window.

8. If you have any common open file dialog boxes already opened, then close and reopen them to apply this setting to them.