Not seeing recently opened files with right click on Start icons

HI IT. I'm Greg, 10 years awarded Windows MVP, here to help you.

Try these fixes for task bar jump lists not showing on right click menu in Windows 10:

https://www.thewindowsclub.com/fix-taskbar-expl... (Avoid ad links which intrude into editorial copy, especially avoid Restoro, PC Repair Tool and Reimage ads)

https://www.tenforums.com/general-support/15523...

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/for...

https://www.auslogics.com/en/articles/enable-ju...

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/for...

https://superuser.com/questions/1321248/broken-...

https://www.makeuseof.com/windows-10-jump-lists...

https://windowsreport.com/taskbar-not-working-w... (Avoid ad links which intrude into editorial copy, especially avoid Restoro, PC Repair Tool and Reimage ads)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RvSE2h0Hlw

One of those should work. If not and you have other issues with Windows 10, Go over Windows using this checklist to make sure the install is set up correctly, optimized for best performance, and any needed repairs get done: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

Start with Step 4 to turn off Startup freeloaders which can conflict and cause issues, then Step 7 to check for infection the most thorough way, then step 10 to check for damaged System Files, and also Step 16 to test a new Local Admin account to replace yours which may be corrupted. Then if necessary continue with the other steps to go over your install most thoroughly.

If nothing else works then do a Repair Install, by installing Media Creation Tool, open tool and choose to Upgrade Now. This reinstalls Windows while keeping files, programs and most settings in place, is the most stable method to advance to the latest version, and solves most problems. Tutorial here: https://www.tomshardware.com/how-to/fix-windows...

Feel free to ask back any questions. Based on the results you post back I may have other suggestions if necessary.

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Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

First, it's W11, not W10.

A number of them pointed me to the "Show recently opened items in Start, Jump Lists, and File Explorer." I went to that and it is already set on, but it's certainly not working in Start.

Interesting. I just noticed that, while it's not working properly in the Start menu, it is working on the taskbar. I have Word open. Right clicking on the icon in Start just shows admin functions such as unpinning from start. However, right-clicking on the taskbar does show recent files.

So it's not good for going straight to a first file to open, but it works with secondary files I might need while working on the first.

The fixes for Windows 10 work for Windows 11 on this.

Try these other related fixes for Windows 11 Start Menu right click context menu not showing recent files:

https://www.makeuseof.com/windows-11-fix-quick-...

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/for...

https://www.androidauthority.com/windows-11-sta...

https://allthings.how/how-to-show-more-options-...

https://nerdschalk.com/how-to-fix-windows-11-ri...

https://thegeekpage.com/fix-right-click-not-wor...

https://www.guidingtech.com/how-to-customize-ri...

There should be something there that will get it back. If not let me know what results and I'll look further.

______________________________________________

Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.