Windows 10: Recent file or folders in Quick Access

I have browsed through Add or Remove Frequent folders from Quick access in Windows 10 Windows 10 Customization Tutorials

However it is not clear to me, how I may keep only the normal items, but not continually add "recent" items.
Sorry if this seems a stupid thread, but I do find QA as set up somewhat a nuisance.

:)

 

Can't we sort Quick Access items?

Hi Cathy,

Items in the Quick access view can't be sorted as you like. It's a special folder designed that way. The "recent files" section, files that are most recently accessed are shown at the top. For Frequent folders listing, its sorted as:

Pinned Special folders

Pinned folders

Recent folders

Two things that can be changed:

1. Mix up Frequent folders and Recent files listing, instead of them being shown in separate groups.

2. Sort "frequent folders" items by name regardless of type (whether it's a special folder, pinned normal folder or a recent folder.)

Unfortunately, both of this involve editing the registry.

For custom sort, AFAIK, that can't be done for Quick access.. and even if it were possible it might involve editing the registry and changing the shell folder bitmask values.

Two other workarounds would be:

1. Pin "Recent folders" in Quick Access.

2. Pin "Recent folders" as a separate namespace item, appearing below Quick access section.

REF: How to Pin Recent folders or Recent Places to the Navigation Pane in Windows 10 File Explorer

Benefit: Items in this view can be custom sorted.

 

Recently used Excel Files

I know how to do that and have pinned folders to quick access. All those folder in the picture i attached are folders i pinned to quick access. But files recently open should show on the "recent files" list in the bottom half of the picture. All files
for Word, PowerPoint, PDF, jpg, etc are showing in recent files except for Excel files. Why not Excel?

 

Items you want to keep you can 'Pin' to Quick Access via the Navigation Pane;

Pin or Unpin Quick Access Locations in Windows 10 Windows 10 General Tips Tutorials

'History' items you don't want showing you'll need to clear and uncheck as per figure in Option One/Step 4 in the tutorial.

 

Hi, suggestion: if you want better and almost universal access to frequently used items (and favourites) in programs and universal apps using buttons in the title bar, have a look at Actual Window tools (not free but can be obtained using Trialpay). They offer the extraordinarily comprehensive main product, and simplified versions too.
Actual Window Manager: Multiple Monitors, Virtual Desktops, Windows Control and Other Useful Tools.

Listary has a useful free/pro option, but is not as universal.

Example (here using an open box):



You can see the Actual Window Manager title buttons at the top, and a Listary box (here triggered by a middle click).
Below the open box is a Listary search toolbar (optional).