Disable recent files in Windows 10

In order to disable the recent items it requires 2 actions.

1. open Personalization in the Settings app.
2. Click/tap on Start on the left side. Turn on or off to Show recently opened items in Jump Lists on Start or the taskbar for what you want.

Source

You can also set the following registry key

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced

Just set the DWORD Start_TrackDocs value to the desired setting

0 = Turn off

1 = Turn on

If you cannot find the key, it means you have not in the past toggled the option, doing so will create the key for you.

1. Right-click desktop.
2. Click on Personalize.
3. Click on Start in the left pane.
4. Turn off Show recently opened items in Jump Lists on Start or the taskbar.