Office Settings & Configuration

How to Clear the Recent Files List in Microsoft 365 App

John Wilson Oct 14, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to remove recently opened documents that persistently appear in the Microsoft 365 application's recent files list.

How to Clear the Recent Files List in the Microsoft 365 App

Product: Microsoft 365 App
Device & OS: Windows 10
Scenario: Managing document privacy and cleaning up the recent file history after restarting the app.
Observed behavior: Recently opened files continue to appear in the Microsoft 365 app even after it is closed and restarted.

Before you start

Before resetting the app, ensure that all your important documents are fully synchronized to OneDrive, as resetting may clear your local application preferences.

Solution 1Recommended

Reset the Microsoft 365 App via Windows Settings

Use the built-in Windows App settings to reset Microsoft 365, which clears cached data including the persistent recent files list.

Resetting the Microsoft 365 application through Windows settings will revert the app's configuration to its default state. This is the most effective way to force the recent files list to clear when standard methods fail.

Open App Options

Locate the Microsoft 365 app in your Windows Start menu or taskbar, right-click its icon, and select 'App settings'.

Reset the Application

Scroll down the settings page until you find the 'Reset' section, then click the 'Reset' button.

Confirm and Relaunch

Confirm the action if prompted. Once the reset is complete, reopen the Microsoft 365 app to verify that the recent files list is now empty.

Reset the Microsoft 365 App via Windows Settings

Data Synchronization: Resetting the app affects local app data only. Your actual files saved in the cloud or locally on your hard drive will not be deleted.

Manage Recent Files Easily in WPS Office

How to Clear Recent Files History in WPS Office

WPS Office offers a built-in, hassle-free way to manage your document privacy. You can easily clear your recent files list without needing to reset the entire application.

1. Open WPS Office: Launch the WPS Office desktop application on your computer to view the home screen.
2. Access Recent Files: Click on the 'Recent' tab located on the left-hand navigation panel to view your document history.
3. Clear All Records: Right-click on any blank space in the recent list or click the Settings icon, then select 'Clear All Records'.

Easily clear all recent file records in one click directly from the home screenFully compatible with Microsoft Office formats including Word, Excel, and PowerPointLightweight application that runs smoothly on Windows without persistent cache issues

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I clear individual files from the recent list instead of resetting?

Yes, in most Office applications, you can right-click an individual file in the Recent list and select 'Remove from list'. However, if they keep reappearing due to sync issues, an app reset is required.

Will resetting the Microsoft 365 app delete my documents?

No, resetting the app only clears local app preferences, cache, and sign-in data. Your actual documents saved on your computer or OneDrive remain completely safe.

Why do deleted files still show up in the recent files list?

The app often caches the list locally and syncs with the cloud. If there is a sync delay or cache corruption, deleted or moved files may continue to display until the app cache is cleared.

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