Windows Start Menu not populating

[TW]Fox · 19 Feb 2012 at 23:30

Hi guys,

I run Windows 7 and for some reason my Start Menu is no longer filling with recently opened applications. I've just had the same two applications in it and a huge pile of blank space for ages now. I've checked and it is set to show recently opened apps in the start menu.

Any ideas?

bledd · 19 Feb 2012 at 23:35

It's a weird problem

Try this..

Winkey + R, paste this in.

Code:

%AppData%\Microsoft\Windows\Recent\AutomaticDestinations

Any files over 500kb in there?

It's safe to clear this out, should restore normal behaviour. Clear out the whole folder

Do this for good measure too.
Right click Start, Properties, Customise, 'Use Default Settings'

d_brennen · 19 Feb 2012 at 23:35

Are you missing desktop icons/documents/pictures etc as well?

anything I don't mind · 20 Feb 2012 at 11:23

Maybe you have set the number of items to display to 0 or 2 ?