Modify or change the AE Prefs file in AE 2024

Hi, 
i remember i could always change the prefs file txt way back then. 
This seems to no not work anymore in 2024. Changes get overwritten on starting AE.

Anyone has an idea? 

I would like to change the "Number of Project Menu Entries" = "20" to "50" 
It annoying that this is limited!