Recent files

[jimj68]

Recent files show files have been accessed today within minutes of this message. I have not accessed these files in most cases in months and in some cases years. I have tried Microsoft support but they haven't been able to help. 

Example: I have a word document called AC placement. I have not opened that document in more than a month. In the Recent area it shows that I accessed that document at 3:20 PM today, minutes before this post. I have excel document callled Sprinklers which I have not opened in 6 months. It lists ti as opened on 10/19/2023 at 12:10 PM. 

I am trying to understand if there is a probelm with oneDrive or is someone else accessing my documents through oneDrive. 

[#2]

@jimj68 

It’s understandable that you’re concerned about the security of your files.

Based on your description, it’s possible that someone else is accessing your OneDrive files. However, it’s also possible that there is a problem with OneDrive itself.

To determine if someone else is accessing your files, you can check the sharing activity of your OneDrive files. You can do this by logging in to your OneDrive account and clicking on the Shared tab on the left side of the screen. This will show you a list of all files shared by you and files shared with you, along with the name of who shared it.

If you don’t see any suspicious activity in the Shared tab, it’s possible that there is a problem with OneDrive itself.

It’s important to ensure that your files are secure and only accessed by you. Here are a few possibilities and steps you can take:

1.Check OneDrive’s file permissions: Make sure you still have access to the file.
Reset OneDrive: This can help fix any problems with OneDrive, including the inability to open your files.
Check if the file is “On-Demand”: Files that are “On-Demand” might show up in recent files.
Check Storage Sense settings: Storage Sense can move files around, which might cause them to appear in recent files.

2.Clear cache and data: This can sometimes resolve issues with files appearing in recent files.

3.Check OneDrive settings: Make sure your settings are correct.

4.Disable Controlled Folder Access: This feature can sometimes cause issues with OneDrive.

5.Turn off your VPN connection: If you’re using a VPN, it might be causing issues with OneDrive.

6.Reinstall OneDrive: If none of the above steps work, you might need to reinstall OneDrive.

If none of these steps resolve your issue, it’s possible that another program is accessing your files in the background. 

Remember, it’s always a good idea to keep your software up-to-date and regularly change your passwords to ensure the security of your files.

If I have answered your question, please mark your post as Solved

If you like my response, please give it a Like 

Appreciate your Kudos! Proud to contribute! 🙂

[#3]

Thank you for the information. I am traveling and do not have relaible secure internet. I will be able to try your suggestions when I return midweek.

[#4]

@Deleted  I have tried all of the suggested solutions. I had hoped that uninstalling and reinstalling onedrive would solve the issue but it persists. Hopefully I executed the steps correctly. I did have some difficulty figuring out how to clear the cache.   One thing I have noticed is that the items that show up are predominately excel and word documents. They all have the same date time stamp. I have attached some from this morning to see if that helps explain the issue. 

Sorry it has taken so long. I have been cautious because I do not want to anything.

[#5]

Same issue here, has anyone discovered what is causing this?

[#6]

@PeterPete12 

I have this same issue and was just looking at the on-demand settings for the files as per this troubleshooting post:
https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/onedrive/change-in-files-on-demand-behaviour-in-recent-update... 

I am giving that a try and will be keeping an eye on this behavior as well. 

[#7]

This has been very frustrating as you well know. If your problem was like mine you would see multiple word and excel documents showing up as accessed all at the same time and date in recents when those documents had not been touched for some time. As I have described previously I tried all the suggestions and none worked. Just yesterday I tried something new and it seems to help the problem at leaast for the last 2 days. I went to Settings, Personalization, Start. In Start you will see Show recently opened items in Start, Jump Lists and File Explorer. Mine was on. I turned it off and looked at File Exploreer and every Recent and quick access was gone. I went back to Show recently opened items in Start, Jump Lists and File Explorer and turned it on. My file explorer was empty but as I accessed documents all day yesterday and today it appears they are back to normal. Don't know if this is the solution or just dumb luck but so far so good.

[#8]

Same thing here, it looks like it worked.
Will update here if it's not the case but thanks a lot for sharing this solution.

[#9]

I have the same issue, my documents show present time in the recent folder list. I have not shared these documents with any one. They are documents which I have accessed in the last week/ month but not opened at the time of the recent folder. This is concerning as I was scammed and double check if they had access but 2FA was set up? 

I have been on hold with microsoft tech support for over an hour and still waiting

[#10]

jimj68's solution to turn off/on Settings/Personalization/Start/Jump Lists and File Explorer worked immediately. Very easy (but not intuitive!) solution to a very annoying problem. Thank you!

[#11]

My prior solution worked for awile. But it came back for me. I found another thread that had a solution that when I applied it took out all of the word and excel items that were showing that had not been accessed.

Here is a link : Documents showing in recent when not opened - Microsoft Community

If you are wary about opening links from people you don't know like I am here is a summary:

Run (Open) File Explorer

At the top of the page you will see 3 dots

The drop down will have Options

When you open options you will see Folder Options

In Folder Options There are 3 choices. Uncheck the last one Show Files from Office .com

All of the word and excel items that were not physically accessed disappeared for me.

Since then only documents I have accessed are showing up including those excel and word documents that I access.

This seems to have fixed the problem by addressing the root cause.

Reply Edit

[#12]

@jimj68....you were right, my "not recently accessed files" came back to the Home view in File Explorer after a few days too. Your solution to uncheck the "Show files from Office.com" option did the trick. I never would have figured this out on my own.  Thanks again!!!!  

[#13]

Your solution worked for me!

Settings > Personalization > Start > Show recently opened items in Start, Jump Lists, and File Explorer.

Turn Off.

Close File Explorer.

Turn On.

Restart File Explorer.

[#14]

@jimj68 Well done Jim. I was getting close to abandoning Onedrive as this behaviour was so annoying. Wasted quite a few hours I can't afford at my advanced age before finding your solution.

Mike

[#15]

@jimj68 

Worked for me.