Jump to Key Sections
Mac is a well-known computer brand worldwide and is famous for its cutting-edge technology and high-quality performance. One of the useful features of Mac is that it stores the recent files that a user has accessed on the computer. This feature is useful for many people, as it ensures easy access to the files they have recently worked on. However, it can sometimes be a nuisance, especially when you don’t want others to see your recent file history. In this blog post, we will guide you on how to clear recent files on Mac.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Clearing Recent Files on Mac
Mac stores your recent files by default, and these files are accessible to anyone who uses your computer. That can be a breach of privacy for some, as it exposes the files they have recently worked on. However, clearing recent files on Mac is not a straightforward process for many users, and there can be different ways to do it.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before we detail the methods to clear recent files on Mac, you need to prepare your computer and have basic information about it. The following things will help you to clear your recent files with ease:
1. Know the macOS version and its features.
2. You may need to create a new user account if you don’t want to lose the recent files of your primary account.
3. You need to have a basic understanding of Finder and macOS settings.
Method 1: Clear Recent Files Through Finder
Clearing recent files through Finder is the easiest and quickest way to remove any of the recent files that pop up in the Recent section on your Mac.
Steps:
1. Open Finder on your Mac.
2. Click on "Go" and select "Go to Folder" option from the menu.
3. Type "~/Library/Preferences" and hit the "Enter" button.
4. Look for "com.apple.recentitems.plist" and move it to the Trash.
5. You need to empty the Trash folder to remove the recent files permanently.
Pros:
– Quick and easy method to clear recent files.
– No need to install any software.
Cons:
– Doesn’t clear the recent files from all the apps on your Mac.
Method 2: Clear Recent Files Via Terminal
Another way to clear recent files on Mac is to use Terminal. However, this method requires a basic understanding of Terminal commands and can be risky for novice users.
Steps:
1. Open Terminal on your Mac.
2. Type "defaults delete -g" and press the "Enter" button.
3. Restart your computer to complete the process.
Pros:
– A thorough method that clears recent files from all the apps.
Cons:
– Risky for novice users as it involves Terminal commands.
Method 3: Use Third-Party Software – CleanMyMac X
CleanMyMac X is an all-in-one tool that helps you to clean your Mac, optimize performance, and enhance security. It includes a module called "Privacy" that allows you to clear recent files and history from all the apps on your Mac.
Steps:
1. Download and install CleanMyMac X on your Mac.
2. Launch the app, and select the "Privacy" module from the left sidebar.
3. Click on the "Recent Items" tab and select the boxes you want to clear.
4. Click on the "Remove" button to clear the selected recent files.
Pros:
– Quick and easy to use.
– Helps to boost the performance of your Mac.
Cons:
– CleanMyMac X is a paid software.
Why Can’t I Clear Recent Files on My Mac?
If you are unable to clear recent files on your Mac, it could be due to any of the following reasons:
1. Permissions Issue: You don’t have permission to delete the recent files from the apps you want to clear them from. Fix: You need to change the permissions of the file to enable deletion.
2. Outdated macOS Version: Your macOS version is outdated, and it doesn’t support the recent files clearing feature. Fix: Update your macOS to the latest version.
3. File In Use: The file you want to delete is in use by an app or program. Fix: Quit all the apps and programs that are using the file before attempting to delete it.
Additional Tips
1. Clearing recent files doesn’t affect your apps’ performance or their settings.
2. You can also use CleanMyMac X’s Smart Scan tool to save time and optimize your Mac’s performance.
3. It’s recommended that you create a backup of the recent files before deleting them in case you need them later.
5 FAQs about Clearing Recent Files on Mac
Q1: Will clearing recent files delete my apps or documents?
A: No, clearing recent files only removes the history of accessed files, not the files themselves.
Q2: Can I selectively delete recent files on my Mac?
A: Yes, if you use CleanMyMac X or Finder to clear recent files, you can select the files you want to delete.
Q3: Can clearing recent files help improve my Mac’s performance?
A: Yes, clearing recent files and history can help free up disk space and improve Mac performance.
Q4: What precautions should I take before clearing recent files?
A: Make sure to backup the files if required, and remove only the files that you don’t want anyone else to see.
Q5: Do I need to be an IT expert to clear recent files on Mac?
A: No, anyone with basic knowledge of their Mac’s operating system and settings can follow the steps mentioned above.
In Conclusion
Clearing recent files on your Mac can help you protect your privacy and free up disk space. You can use any method mentioned above to clear recent files, depending on your preferences and expertise. Moreover, it’s crucial to take precautions before deleting any files and backup the files before proceeding with the deletion process.