How to Reset and Clear All Items in Windows 7 Jump Lists
Information
This will show you how to completely
reset and clear specific or all items in the Start Menu and Taskbar
jump lists in Windows 7 to start fresh again.
This will only affect your currently logged in user account and no other users on the computer.
Note
On a computer that is running Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2, the Jump List of an application may disappear permanently when you use the application to open or save a new item. This issue occurs when there are 999 items in the Jump List already.
EXAMPLE: Start Menu Jump Lists Before and Reset
NOTE: You will need to click or hover on the arrow (if available) to the far right to see the Start Menu Recent or Pinned program's jump list.
EXAMPLE: Taskbar Jump Lists Before and Reset
NOTE: You will need to right click on the taskbar icons to see their jump list.
OPTION ONE
To Only Remove a Specific Item in a Jump List
1. Open the program's jump list, right click on a
unpinned item that you want to remove, and click on
Remove from this list. (see screenshot below)
2. Repeat step 1 for any other item you wish to remove from this or any other program's jump list.
OPTION TWO
To Reset and Clear All Jump Lists Automatically with a BAT File
1. Click on the Download button below to download the file below, and save it to your desktop.
Reset_Recent_Jump_List_Items.bat
2. Click or double click on the downloaded BAT file to open and run it.
3. If prompted, click on
Run.
NOTE: If you like, you can stop getting the Run prompt by unblocking the downloaded .bat file.
4. You will now see a quick flash as the BAT file runs and restarts explorer.
5. Your jump lists have been reset and cleared to be empty now. It may take a day or two afterwards before the jump lists repopulate.
OPTION THREE
To Reset and Clear All Jump Lists in a Command Prompt
1. Open a
command prompt.
2. In the command prompt, "Copy and Paste" (or type) the command below and press enter. (see screenshot below)
Code:
del /F /Q %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Recent\AutomaticDestinations\*
3. In the command prompt, "Copy and Paste" (or type) the command below and press enter. (see screenshot below)
Code:
del /F /Q %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Recent\CustomDestinations\*
4. Close the command prompt.
5. Log off and on, or restart the computer to fully apply.
6. Your jump lists have been reset and cleared to be empty now. It may take a day or two afterwards before the jump lists repopulate.
That's it,
Shawn