How to Change the Number of Recent Items Shown on a Mac

Click the Apple menu., Click "System Preferences.", Click the "General" option., Click the "Recent Items" menu. , Click the number of recent items you want to display., Click the Apple menu. , Highlight "Recent Items.", View the items in the list...

9 Steps 1 min read Medium

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Click the Apple menu.

    You'll find this in the upper-left corner of the screen, regardless of which program is open.
  2. Step 2: Click "System Preferences."

    , You'll find this in the upper-left corner of the System Preferences menu.

    If you don't see the main System Preferences menu, click the "Show All" button at the top of the window.

    The "Show All" button has 12 dots arranged in a grid pattern as an icon. ,,,, , Note that the list will still show the previous number of items at first if you increased the size.

    For example, if you went from 5 items to 15, the list will still show 5 items in each category until you start opening more apps and files. , This will clear the list out, and it will start building up again to the limit you set.
  3. Step 3: Click the "General" option.

  4. Step 4: Click the "Recent Items" menu.

  5. Step 5: Click the number of recent items you want to display.

  6. Step 6: Click the Apple menu.

  7. Step 7: Highlight "Recent Items."

  8. Step 8: View the items in the list.

  9. Step 9: Click "Clear Menu" to empty the list.

Detailed Guide

You'll find this in the upper-left corner of the screen, regardless of which program is open.

, You'll find this in the upper-left corner of the System Preferences menu.

If you don't see the main System Preferences menu, click the "Show All" button at the top of the window.

The "Show All" button has 12 dots arranged in a grid pattern as an icon. ,,,, , Note that the list will still show the previous number of items at first if you increased the size.

For example, if you went from 5 items to 15, the list will still show 5 items in each category until you start opening more apps and files. , This will clear the list out, and it will start building up again to the limit you set.

About the Author

H

Hannah Howard

Experienced content creator specializing in DIY projects guides and tutorials.

37 articles
View all articles

Rate This Guide

--
Loading...
5
0
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0

How helpful was this guide? Click to rate: