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Windows 7

Toggle Displaying a Menu of Recent Items in the Start Menu

SUMMARY: Configure whether Windows 7's Start Menu should contain a submenu of recently-opened items such as documents and images.

Depending on your configuration, the Windows 7 Start Menu may contain a "Recent Items" submenu on the right side. This provides access to recently-opened webpages, text files, graphics, and other items.

If you would rather this option not appear (doing so may reduce the Start Menu's size), perform the following tweak:

1. Right-click an empty area of the taskbar and choose "Properties".

2. The "Taskbar and Start Menu Properties" multi-tabbed dialog box appears. Click the "Start Menu" tab.

3. Click the "Customize" button.


4. The "Customize Start Menu" dialog box appears. Scroll down and uncheck "Recent Items".

5. Click "OK" on the dialog boxes to close them.


This tip was written for Windows 7 RC. Screenshots and information are subject to change between this and the official release of Windows 7.

Return to the Windows 7 page.

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The MalekTips website was created in 1998 by Andrew Malek of Envision Programming. The page's goal is to freely disperse computer-related tips, hints, and informative articles. Tips are organized to be easy to find, and are presented clearly, in easy-to-understand language. MalekTips also provides information and links to public-domain, open source, freeware, shareware, and commercial software available for download. < more >