Windows 7: Recent Programs - Turn On or Off

   Information

Recent Programs saves and displays file names, programs, and locations you type in the Run dialog box and a list of your recently opened programs on the left white side of the Start Menu below the Pinned Programs line.

This tutorial will show you how to turn Recent Programs on or off in Windows 7.

   Note

If you have a progam pinned to the Start Menu, then it will not show up in the recent program area below the pin to area in the Start Menu.

   Warning

Unchecking the Store and display recently opened programs in the Start menu box in step 3 below will also cause the Run command dialog box to clear and no longer save it's run program history.

OPTION ONE

To Turn Recent Programs On or Off in Start Menu Properties

1. Right click on the Start button, and click on Properties.

2. To Turn Recent Programs On
NOTE: This is the default setting.

A) Check the Store and display recently opened programs in the Start menu box. (See screenshot below step 4)

B) Go to step 4.

3. To Turn Recent Programs Off

A) Uncheck the Store and display recently opened programs in the Start menu box. (See screenshot below step 4)
NOTE: See warning at top of tutorial.

4. Click on OK. (See screenshot below)

OPTION TWO

To Turn Recent Programs On or Off using a REG File Download

1. To Turn Recent Programs On
NOTE: This is the default setting.

A) Click on the Download button below to download the file below.

Turn_On_Recent_Programs_in_Start_Menu.reg

B) Go to step 3.

2. To Turn Recent Programs Off

A) Click on the Download button below to download the file below.

Turn_Off_Recent_Programs_in_Start_Menu.reg

3. Save the .reg file to your desktop.

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

5. Click on Run, Yes (UAC), Yes, and OK when prompted.

6. When done, you can delete the downloaded .reg file if you like.