Where Does RecentFilesView Read History From?
RecentFilesView reads the Recent folder and registry MRU lists live, storing only its own options beside the exe.
Last updated
RecentFilesView aggregates every recent file trace on the system: the Recent folder shortcuts plus registry most recently used lists from Explorer and common dialogs. It reads them live rather than copying anything.
Its own footprint is one CFG file beside the executable. Clearing history means clearing the sources: the Recent folder contents and the MRU registry keys it enumerates.
Where RecentFilesView stores this, by platform
%APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Recent
Primary source of shortcut traces. Registry MRU lists under RecentDocs and ComDlg32 supplement it. The tool's options sit in RecentFilesView.cfg beside the exe.
Frequently asked questions
how do i clear recent files history completely
Empty the Recent folder and delete RecentDocs plus ComDlg32 MRU registry keys. RecentFilesView then shows nothing because its sources are gone.
does recentfilesview modify anything it shows
No. It reads shortcuts and registry keys without writing. Its single CFG file holds column layouts only.
Notice an outdated path? Let us know.