Where Are Windows Recent Files Stored?
Recent folder holds shortcut links to recently used files, separate from jump lists and timelines.
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Windows tracks recently opened files as shortcuts in a Recent folder under Roaming AppData. Every entry is a .lnk pointer, so the folder reveals what you opened and when without duplicating any data. Forensics folks love it for exactly that reason.
Recent items and jump lists are siblings, not twins. The Recent folder feeds Explorer's recent views, while taskbar jump lists draw from AutomaticDestinations files elsewhere. Clearing one leaves the other intact, which surprises people sanitizing a machine before handoff.
Where Windows stores this, by platform
%APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Recent
Type shell:recent into the Explorer address bar as a shortcut to the same folder. Items are .lnk shortcuts. Clear from Settings or by deleting the links, and know AutomaticDestinations needs separate attention.
Frequently asked questions
does clearing recent items delete my files
It stores .lnk shortcut files pointing at your documents, not the documents themselves. Deleting the folder contents clears the list without touching a single real file, which makes it safe to wipe.
how do i clear taskbar jump lists too
Jump lists live separately under AppData Roaming Microsoft Windows Recent AutomaticDestinations. Clear them by right clicking the taskbar app and removing pinned and recent entries, or wipe that folder with Explorer closed.
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