How to increase the number of recent files for each Application in Start Menu

One of the new features I like in Windows 7 is being able to find the most recently used files for an application right through the Start menu. No longer do I have to open up several files I worked on recently by opening a new Windows Explorer window every time. Not only does this save time by cutting out steps, it also means that I don’t actually need to remember where I stored the file (unless if I have to transfer it to my USB or email it).
If you haven’t used this handy feature yet, try it!

Open your start menu, and hover over the arrow beside, say Microsoft Excel, and a list of files you’ve recently used will pop-up under the recent section. Neat huh?

Note: If the applications you use most recently have not already been placed (or pinned) to your start menu, simply right click on the application in the start menu and select: pin to start menu.

But the sad thing is, that if you work on a lot of files at the same time, Windows is not smart enough to show you more than a certain number of files by default (even though your start menu might have plenty of space to show it). It’ll only show a few entries. Luckily though, there is a way to tweak this.

1. Right click on Taskbar
2. Click Properties
3. Choose the Start Menu tab
4. Click Customize
5. Under the Start Menu size box, you can increase the number of recent files and number of recent items to display in jump lists to whatever you want

And that’s all there is to it. Enjoy finding your files with ease, especially if you have a messy desktop like me.