[How-To] Disable Recent Files List In Windows 7 ‘Taskbar’ Jump List

One of the nice feature in windows 7 is the recent file list shown when right clicked-on the task bar. But some may not want this. I don’t know whether I am correct or not, But I feel it slows down start-up of applications a bit.

First to edit the number of  files shown in that list:

• Right Click in your start menu and chose Properties
• Click on Customize button under Start Menu tab
• You’ll get the Customize Start Menu dialog, at the bottom of which you will see the Start menu size section where you can set a new value for Number of recent items to display in Jump Lists
• Set your prefered value and click on OK twice to apply the settings

Note that setting Number of recent items to display to 0 will remove the recent files list from taskbar, but still store your recent files at the backend. So that you can restore it later.

To completely disable this feature:

• Right Click in your start menu and chose Properties
• Under Privacy section, You can find Store and display recently opened items in the Start Menu and the Taskbar check box. Uncheck it.
• Click on OK to apply the settings.

Done!