How turn on recent file display?

[Ryczard]

Hi, I have a problem with the PS startup screen. I don't see thumbnails of recently edited files. I reseted PS settings, reinstalled PS and unfortunately can't turn on preview.

Anyone have any idea?

[Trevor.Dennis]

Do you see files if you use File > Open Recent ?

You say you reset settings.  Does that mean that you reset Preferences?  If yes, I'm so far at a loss as to what the problem might be.

What operating system are you using?

[Ryczard · Accepted solution]

Yes, the files appear under recent files (File > Open Recent). I reset and even deleted manually. The system is Windows 10. But ... it turned out the problem is in version 22.3 as I went back to 22.2 everything is ok. Thumbnails are visible.

[gener7]

The "Recent Files" setting is at the bottom of "File Handling" in the Preferences.

[markg92693825]

It is no longer there in Illustrator and Photoshop

[gener7]

I can only speak for the MacOS editions, but here's it is in Preferences for Illustrator 2023

And Photoshop 2023

[Trevor.Dennis]

Blimey Gene.  100 files?  Do you display them as list or grid, and how do you sort them?  After seeing your screen shot I have now realised there is a search field, which would make that many files managable.  So I started off thinking your were stark raving, and now I am going to follow your lead.  It's a funny old world. 

[gener7]

I used to use it as a list. I needed to go beyond the default 20 if I wanted to recall something I did earlier. Strange thing about the Recents setting. I noticed if I went to 100, the last 100 documents were already there.

[Trevor.Dennis]

Strange thing about the Recents setting. I noticed if I went to 100, the last 100 documents were already there.

By @gener7

Hah!  That worked for me as well Gene.  I wish the Beta version had that information along with custom workspaces, toolbars shortcuts etc.  Have you got a magic trick for that as well? 😉

[wguion]

My File Handling window at the bottom looks like this:  There is nothing that appears to reset or open "Recent Files"? 

[gener7]

That menu item is here: It will clear the Recent Files list, whether it is 1 or 20.

But if you have not opened at least one file, "Open Recent" will be dimmed out and and not available.

[wguion]

Thanks, I am familiar with the "Open Recent" function under the File dropdown menu.  I use it occasionally, but I am not trying to clear my recent file list, I am trying to bring back the visual thumbnails on my workspace window.  iMac, OS 13 Ventura, Photoshop version 2024.  

[gener7]

Clearing the Recent Files also clears the visual thumbnails on the workspace window. My thought is that perhaps doing so may reset your thumbnail workspace.

I run PS 2025/v26.5 on MacOS 12.7.6 on a Mid 2015 Macbook Pro and never had problems with the thumbnail workspace. So I can't say exactly why this is happening.