How to Clear Recent Files in Finder
Are you tired of seeing a cluttered list of recently opened files in your Finder? Whether it’s due to privacy concerns or simply wanting to declutter your Mac, clearing recent files in Finder is a straightforward process. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to clear recent files in Finder on your Mac.
Step 1: Open the Finder Preferences
To begin, open the Finder preferences by clicking on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen, selecting “Finder,” and then clicking on “Preferences.” This will open a new window with various options for customizing your Finder experience.
Step 2: Navigate to the Advanced Tab
In the Finder Preferences window, you’ll see several tabs along the top. Click on the “Advanced” tab to access the settings related to recent files and other advanced options.
Step 3: Uncheck the “Show Recent Items in Menu Bar” Option
Within the Advanced tab, you’ll find a list of options. Look for the “Show Recent Items in Menu Bar” option and uncheck it. This will hide the recent items menu from the top menu bar, effectively clearing the list of recent files.
Step 4: Clear Recent Items
To completely clear the recent files list, you need to access the Recent Items list directly. Click on the “Show All” button in the Finder Preferences window to expand the list of recent items. From there, you can right-click on any item and select “Delete” to remove it from the list. Alternatively, you can select multiple items and press the “Delete” key on your keyboard.
Step 5: Reset Recent Items
If you want to reset the entire recent items list, you can do so by opening the Terminal application. Press “Command + Space” to open Spotlight, type “Terminal,” and press “Enter.” In the Terminal window, type the following command and press “Enter”:
“`
defaults delete com.apple.finder RecentItems
“`
This command will reset the recent items list to its default state, effectively clearing all recent files from your Mac.
Conclusion
By following these simple steps, you can easily clear recent files in Finder on your Mac. Whether you’re concerned about privacy or just want to declutter your Mac, clearing recent files can help you maintain a cleaner and more organized workspace.
