Increase Jump List Items in Windows 10 - A How-To Guide

Customizing Jump List History in Windows 10

Older iterations of the Windows operating system allowed users to easily adjust the quantity of recent items displayed within jump lists through a straightforward setting located in the taskbar properties. However, Microsoft opted to remove this functionality in Windows 10.

Despite this removal, it remains possible to modify the number of displayed items. This can be achieved through a relatively simple modification to the Windows Registry.

Understanding Jump Lists

Jump lists provide quick access to recently opened files and frequently used commands when you right-click on a taskbar icon. Customizing the number of items shown can enhance workflow efficiency.

How to Modify the Registry

A minor Registry hack is required to regain control over the number of recent items visible in jump lists. Proceed with caution when editing the Registry, as incorrect changes can cause system instability.

• First, open the Registry Editor by typing "regedit" into the Windows search bar and pressing Enter.
• Navigate to the following key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
• If the Start_TrackDocs key doesn't exist, create a new DWORD (32-bit) Value with that name.
• Double-click on Start_TrackDocs and set its value data to the desired number of recent items. A value of '0' disables jump list tracking.
• Restart your computer or restart Windows Explorer for the changes to take effect.

By adjusting the Start_TrackDocs value, you can effectively control the length of your jump lists. This allows for a more personalized and efficient user experience.

Related: How to Limit or Stop Windows From Populating Jump Lists

Modifying the Registry to Expand Jump List Capacity

Typically, Windows 10 displays approximately 12 recent items within its jump lists. Increasing this quantity requires a direct modification to a specific setting located in the Windows Registry.

Further Reading: Procedures for Backing Up and Restoring the Windows Registry

Important Note: The Registry Editor is a potent system tool, and improper use can lead to system instability or failure. This particular adjustment is relatively straightforward, and adherence to the provided instructions should prevent issues. However, if you are unfamiliar with the Registry Editor, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with its operation before proceeding. Furthermore, creating a Registry backup (and a full system backup!) prior to making any alterations is strongly recommended.

Launch the Registry Editor by typing "regedit" into the Start menu search bar. Press Enter to initiate the Registry Editor and grant it permission to apply changes to your computer.

Within the Registry Editor, utilize the left-hand navigation pane to locate the following key:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced

Now, a new value must be created within the Advanced key. Right-click within the Advanced folder and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value. Assign the name JumpListItems_Maximum to the newly created value, then double-click it to access its properties.

In the value's properties window, change the "Base" to "Decimal". Then, enter the desired number of recent items to be displayed in your jump lists into the "Value data" field. A value between 15 and 20 generally provides a good balance, allowing most jump lists to be fully visible. Higher values are permissible, but may necessitate scrolling within the jump list. Confirm your selection by clicking OK.

You may now close the Registry Editor. A system restart is not required for the changes to take effect. The modification is applied immediately, so simply open a jump list to verify its functionality.

To revert to the default number of displayed items, navigate back to the Advanced key and set the JumpListItems_Maximum value to 0.

Convenient One-Click Registry Modifications

For users who prefer not to manually navigate the Registry Editor, pre-configured registry modifications have been developed. These provide a simplified method for altering the number of items displayed in Windows 10 Jump Lists.

Available Hacks

• Increase Jump List Recent Items to 20: This modification establishes the JumpListItems_Maximum value and assigns it a value of 20.
• Reset Jump List Recent Items to Default: This modification resets the JumpListItems_Maximum value to 0, effectively restoring the default Jump List behavior.

Both of these modifications are packaged within a downloadable ZIP archive. To apply a modification, simply double-click the desired REG file and follow the on-screen instructions. The changes will be implemented immediately upon completion.

The provided hacks offer a streamlined approach to customizing Jump List functionality.

Customizing the "Increase to 20" Hack

The "Increase Jump List Recent Items to 20" hack can be further tailored to accommodate a different number of recent items. To do so, right-click the REG file and select "Edit" from the context menu. This will open the file in Notepad.

Within the Notepad window, locate the following line:

"JumpListItems_Maximum"=dword:00000020

Adjust the numerical value to your preference. It’s important to maintain the six-digit hexadecimal format, including the leading zeroes. Save the modified file, and the customized hack will be ready for execution.

This allows for precise control over the number of recent items displayed in your Jump Lists.

Related: Learn how to create your own Windows Registry Hacks.

These ready-made hacks essentially represent a simplified version of the Advanced key discussed previously. They isolate the JumpListItems_Maximum value and export it as a .REG file. Executing these files effectively sets this value to the desired number.

For those interested in deeper customization, understanding the process of creating custom Registry hacks is highly recommended.