Windows 7: Clear Recent Items and Documents on Exit of Windows 7

   Information

This will show you how to have recent items and documents clear automatically when specific or all users exit Windows 7. Clearing Recent Items will also clear the Recent items in Jump Lists as well.

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

   Note

This does not clear items that the users have pinned to the Jump Lists, or Tasks that the application has provided for their menu.

OPTION ONE

Using a REG File Download

1. To Enable Clear history of recent opened documents on exit

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

Enable_Clear_History_of_Recently_Opened_Documents_on_Exit.reg

2. To Disable Clear history of recent opened documents on exit

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

Disable_Clear_History_of_Recently_Opened_Documents_on_Exit.reg

3. Save the .reg file to the desktop.

4. Right click the downloaded .reg file on the Desktop and click on Merge.

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

6. Log off and log on, or restart the computer to apply.

7. When done, 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 on to expand User Configuration, Administrative Templates, and Start Menu and Taskbar. (see screenshot below)

3. In the right pane, double-click on Clear history of recent opened documents on exit. (see screenshot above)

4. To Enable Clear history of recent opened documents on exit

A) Select (dot) Enabled, and click on OK. (see screenshot below)

5. To Disable Clear history of recent opened documents on exit

A) Select (dot) Not configured or Enabled, and click on OK. (see screenshot below)
NOTE: Not configured is the default setting.

6. Close the Local group Policy Editor and restart your computer.