platform-guideline checked
Microsoft Office Recently Used Files
Explains recent-file lists as automatic quick-access lists, distinguishes them from Favorites, and documents removal, clearing, count adjustment, and cross-device sync caveats.
Pattern Decisions This Source Supports
| Pattern | Supported decision | Required contract | Claim note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Favorites | Choose favorites when the main user intent is personal preference, affinity, or saved return access for known items. | Favoriting records a relationship between the user and the existing item without duplicating, moving, pinning, subscribing to, or changing the item. | Microsoft Office documents Favorites as distinct from automatic Recent files. |
| Pinned items | Choose pinned items when the user intentionally keeps a small set of known objects in a stable prominent position. | Pinning creates a durable placement or prominence record for the selected item without duplicating or changing the underlying item. | Microsoft Office recent-files guidance helps distinguish automatic recent lists from deliberate pinned or favorite access. |
| Recently used | Choose recently used when a meaningful use event should create a temporary return shortcut for the current user. | A qualifying use event writes or updates a recent-use entry for the current user and declared scope. | Microsoft Office documents recently used files with removal, clearing, count, sync, and Favorite distinctions. |
| Recently viewed | Choose recently viewed when the destination set should come from items the current user personally opened, not from editorial curation, hierarchy, popularity, or recommendation models. | Opening an item from the list navigates to that exact item and moves it to the top of the recent list. | Microsoft Office recent-files guidance distinguishes automatic recent lists from Favorites and includes removal, clearing, count, and sync behavior. |
Evidence Role
This source is treated as platform-guideline evidence. Use it to validate the decision rules above, not as a visual style reference.
Publisher: Microsoft Support. Last checked: .