Where Are Windows Jump Lists Stored?
Jump List data files under AppData, how to read their hashed names, and how to clear them.
Last updated
Windows builds taskbar and Start jump lists from two folders under %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Recent: AutomaticDestinations for OS tracked recents, CustomDestinations for app pinned items and tasks. Each file is an OLE compound blob embedding link data, unchanged in layout from Windows 7 through 11.
The filenames are hashed AppIDs, not app names. Identify one by opening it in Notepad and searching spaced text (n o t e p a d reads as such inside), or watch timestamps after pinning something. Clearing means toggling off recently opened items in Start settings, or deleting both folders' contents, plus the Folder Options privacy clear for Explorer history.
Where Windows stores this, by platform
%APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Recent\AutomaticDestinations\
Per app recent jump lists (*.automaticDestinations-ms). Sibling CustomDestinations/ holds pinned and custom tasks. Plain recent shortcuts in %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Recent (shell:recent). Restart after deleting for a full refresh.
Frequently asked questions
How do I tell which Jump List file belongs to which app?
Open the file in Notepad and search for spaced out text like n o t e p a d. Faster: pin something in the app and watch which file timestamp changes. Forensics tools like JLECmd parse them properly.
My jump lists stopped updating. How do I reset them?
Toggle off recently opened items under Settings, Personalization, Start, delete both Destinations folders' contents, toggle back on, and restart. Explorer history clears separately via Folder Options privacy settings.
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