Start Menu's Recent Items preference.

[VitaPrimo]

Does the Recent Items in Windows' Star Menu give preference to Microsoft software?

Let me rephrase that, does it avoid populating the list with Apple software?

I uninstalled Internet Explorer as soon as Windows finished installing and made Safari my only browser, since I'm still downloading stuff to install I barely close the browser and it still doesn't appear in the list. I cleared completely the list the kept using Safari and iTunes, nope, nothing, there were nowhere to be seen.

I opened Notepad and Paint and they were instantly on the list, I installed Google Chrome, removed it from the list and reopened the program and there it was.

I know it's not a bug in Apple software 'cause my other computers have these programs on the list, Safari, iTunes, AirPort Utility, you name it. Yes, I know I can just pin them to the top, but that's not the point... I just wished I wouldn't have to use for a month Windows before the make it to the list, this kind of popularity contest sucks. LOL.

 

[CreepinJesus]

...since I'm still downloading stuff to install I barely close the browser...

Barely closing the browser means you're barely opening it, too. I always thought that list goes by the number of times you open a program, and maybe even where from (shortcut, Explorer, etc.). Could be that?

 

[Britton30]

You UNinstalled IE? In my experience you may only disable it through Programs and Features. Downloading something does not put it in Recently Used, you have to open the program, i.e, Notepad and Paint. Also a Folder will show up only if opened. Win 7 doesn't give preference to anything but users have misunderstanding of what and how it works.

You should always reboot after reinstalling any software before installing or uninstalling anything else.

 

[VitaPrimo]

@CreepinJesus

Well, I've come to notice that the more you have a program running, the more likely it'll be to appear on the list. Of course, opening and closing it multiple times also helps. I've also noticed that if they're pinned to the taskbar the don't appear on the Recent Items list.


@Britton30

Sorry I wasn't enough clear, I meant I disabled it when I said I uninstalled it. I know downloading stuff doesn't put it on the list, only entries from the Start Menu will appear on the recent programs (programs, not items per programs) list.

I knew the preferences you mentioned way back from XP; I've been using Windows from a long time yet not so much lately--that's why I'm asking. And, yes, I've been restarting and creating manual System Restore points since installation; I don't trust Windows' reliability. That's for taking the time to answer to you both, though.

 

[Win7User512]

Apple software shows up on mine.

I think it is the number of times you open a program.

 

[VitaPrimo]

@Win7User512

Of course it does, that's the point of it. What I'm talking about is that it gives preference to other software even if it has been ran just one time.

 

[Win7User512]

@Win7User512

Of course it does, that's the point of it. What I'm talking about is that it gives preference to other software even if it has been ran just one time.

I understand what you mean. I have played around with it some time ago, opening programs to see if they would change the order, but not all did. And they were not MS OR Apple software.

I don't know any more of the algorithm, but I doubt it has a bias against Apple. Just my experience.