Recent Items folder is empty after restart

Every time I turn my PC on, my recent files and jump lists are empty. Once I start opening files, the jump lists and recent items folder start to populate themselves. I have noticed that VLC still keeps its own list of recently opened media within the program which is still working, but these files can't be found in the %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Recent Items folder, or the jump list.

I have turned on the setting under Settings - Personalisation - Start - "Show recently opened items...", and the file option: "show recently used files" is checked.

I am running Windows 11 22621.2134

Hopefully one of the following suggestions will help. Check after each suggestion.

1. Make sure you have no corrupt system files that is causing this problem. Open a command prompt as administrator and type sfc /scannow
Pay attention to the scan results to see if SFC found anything it could not repair. If it found corruption it could not fix followup with this command (note the spaces)
dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
Restart computer

2. Turn off "most used apps" and "show recently opened items...." in settings>personalization>start. Restart computer and then turn the items back on.

3. Clear Jump list History Clear Jump List History

4. Sometimes a jump list can get corrupted. Try to Reset(rebuild) jump lists.
A. Browse to %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Recent\AutomaticDestinations (you can copy that location into the address bar of any file explorer window)
B. Delete all files inside the folder (not the folder)
Note: this will also clear you quick access history. Show Hidden Files must be selected in file explorer options for you to see this folder.
C. restart computer. Make sure jump list is enabled in settings.
D. Open a few random files and folders on your device. Wait about 15 minutes check to see if the jump list has been rebuilt.

Unfortunately this had no effect

Legolas said:

Unfortunately this had no effect

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Welcome to the forum.

Maybe check all the “turn on“ options in this tutorial just to check nothing has been disabled. If everything is on, try “tuning them off then on again” as the old cliche goes


Do you use any tweaks or 3rd party start menu?