Turn off or limit file history tracking

Tracking recently used files and folders makes it easier to find items that you have been working on in the file manager and in file dialogs in applications. You may wish to keep your file usage history private instead, or only track your very recent history.

Turn off file history tracking

  1. Open the Activities overview and start typing Privacy & Security.

  2. Select Settings ▸ Privacy & Security from the results. This will open the Privacy & Security panel.

  3. Click on File History & Trash to open the panel.

  4. Switch the File History switch to off.

    To re-enable this feature, switch the File History switch to on.

  5. Use the Clear History… button to purge the history immediately.

This setting will not affect how your web browser stores information about the web sites you visit.

Restrict the amount of time your file history is tracked

  1. Open the Activities overview and start typing File History & Trash.

  2. Click on File History & Trash to open the panel.

  3. Ensure the File History switch is set to on.

  4. Under File History Duration, select how long to retain your file history. Choose from options 1 day, 7 days, 30 days, or Forever.

  5. Use the Clear History… button to purge the history immediately.