To prevent Windows 10 (version 19045) from automatically adding folders and the Recent Files list to removable USB drives, you can follow these steps:
-
Modify the Local Group Policy
If you're using a Pro, Enterprise, or Education version of Windows 10, you can use the Local Group Policy Editor to make the necessary changes.
a. Press
Win + R, typegpedit.mscand pressEnter.b. Navigate to
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Filesystem.c. Find and double-click on
Turn off Superfetch. Set it toEnabledand clickOK.d. Find and double-click on
Set Superfetch Limit. Set it to2and clickOK.e. Find and double-click on
Remove Removeable Drive Letters. Set it toEnabledand clickOK. -
Use Registry Editor
If you don't have the Local Group Policy Editor, or if you're using the Home version of Windows 10, you can use the Registry Editor instead.
a. Press
Win + R, typeregeditand pressEnter.b. Navigate to
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management\PrefetchParameters.c. Right-click on
PrefetchParameters, selectNew > DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name itEnableSuperfetch.d. Double-click on
EnableSuperfetch, set its value to0and clickOK.e. Navigate to
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Environment.f. Right-click on an empty space, select
New > Multi-String Value. Name itTmp.g. Double-click on
Tmp, set its value to%TEMP%and clickOK.h. Right-click on an empty space again, select
New > Multi-String Value. Name itTMP.i. Double-click on
TMP, set its value to%TEMP%and clickOK.j. Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.
After making these changes, removable USB drives should no longer automatically add folders or the Recent Files list.
References
- Turn off Superfetch in Windows 10
- How to disable Superfetch in Windows 10
- How to disable Superfetch in Windows 10 using Registry Editor
- How to disable Superfetch in Windows 10 Home
- How to disable Superfetch in Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, and Education
- How to disable Superfetch in Windows 10 using Local Group Policy Editor