How to Show or Clear the Recent Files List in Word

These directions are for Microsoft 365 but should work similarly in older versions.

Here’s what that looks like:

SelectFilein the top menu.

LocateRecentin the middle of the program.

It’s directly below the search bar.

Select a file to open it.

you might change it to zero to hide all recent documents or pick any other number up to 50.

Go toFile>Options.

Scroll down to theDisplaysection.

Edit the number next toShow this number of Recent Documents, then selectOKto save.

By default, this box is unchecked and is set to four documents.