Open Recent shows no files in Word or Excel (Mac)

Anonymous
2023-05-04T12:01:47+00:00

Mac version -- The Open Recent menu entry under File, and the Open Recent right-click option on the Excel/Word icons in the Mac dock no longer show recent files - they just show "More". Even opening a new file never shows that file. This used to work fine. If "More..." is cliked, all the recent files are there in the list.

I am on Insider version 16.74, 23043001.

Microsoft 365 Insider | Word | MacOS

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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  1. Anonymous
    2024-04-22T00:55:50+00:00

    I had the same issue but I wasn't able to find the solution in desktop and dock, instead it was System Settings/Control Centre and then right down the bottom there is an option to select "Recent documents, applications and servers" I chose 10 from the dropdown menu and then restarted word and the recent files showed up now. Alternatively just search "number of recent items" in system settings and it will take you there (still need to scroll down).

    I doubt if this is something that we all collectively changed and there is something wrong in the system somewhere so this breaks.

    Thanks so much for pointing me in the right direction.

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  2. Anonymous
    2024-03-07T22:04:12+00:00

    Excellent! This was driving me nuts.

    The path has changed in Sonoma 14.3.1. It's now Systems Settings/Control Center/Recent documents, applications and servers.

    Thanks so much.

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  3. Jim G 134K Reputation points MVP
    2023-12-15T17:22:03+00:00

    The "you" who resurrected the thread is SSamm603

    I merely responded to the resurrected thread. Unfortunately, even as moderator I can't close a thread in the Insider forum (I can do it in the other forums, which is an oddity of the forum.

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  4. Anonymous
    2023-12-14T21:42:39+00:00

    And I think you are confused. My original solution post from 7 months ago ( why has this been resurrected) said a MAC SYSTEM setting change affecting Office 365 apps was the culprit. Desktop & Dock is a MAC System setting. I am on all the latest, including insider beta for Office 365 if that matters - Mac Sonoma 14.2, Word/Office etc. 16.81.

    Why are you bringing this up? It's a resolved/dead thread!

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  5. Jim G 134K Reputation points MVP
    2023-12-14T17:25:08+00:00

    You're way behind on updates. Current update is 16.81 231212

    You might want to make sure your file system is OK

    How to repair a Mac disk with Disk Utility - Apple Support

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