Out of the massive number of registry entries and files that a disk cleaner scans, there are always a few system records you might want to preserve based on your personal preferences. To ensure a smarter, more personalized cleaning experience, WiseCleaner provides customizable filters in both Wise Care 365 and Wise Disk Cleaner.

The Quick Access (or Home) section in File Explorer is driven primarily by AutomaticDestinations. To keep this area fully intact and customized, we recommend excluding both folders from your cleanups.

Today, we will guide you on how to safeguard your Taskbar Jump Lists and Quick Access histories from being accidentally wiped out.

Where Are These Files Stored?

Windows stores these quick-navigation records in two hidden system directories under your user profile:

Automatic Destinations:

%appdata%\Microsoft\Windows\Recent\AutomaticDestinations\

Windows automatically logs your recently accessed files/websites and your manually pinned items here. These standard navigation records are all managed within the AutomaticDestinations folder.

Custom Destinations:

%appdata%\Microsoft\Windows\Recent\CustomDestinations\

App-specific shortcuts and built-in commands (such as "New Incognito window" or specific application tasks) are hardcoded by developers and stored within the CustomDestinations folder.

Introduced back in Windows 7 and continuing through Windows 11, these directories handle your Quick Access pinned folders and the "Recent/Frequent" items that pop up when you right-click icons on your Taskbar or in File Explorer. In most system optimization tools, these items are typically categorized under "Windows Traces" or "Usage History."

How to Protect Quick Access and Jump Lists in Wise Care 365

If you want to keep your pinned folders and frequent items intact, you can use either of the following two methods:

Method 1: Uncheck "Taskbar Jump List" Before Scanning

If you want to preserve both Jump Lists and Quick Access, simply make sure the Taskbar Jump List option is unchecked in the cleaner list. (Please note: Wise Care 365 does not select this item by default in its "Recommended" cleaning mode).

Method 2: Add Specific Folders to the Exclusion List

If you only want to clean one category while keeping the other, you can utilize the Exclusion feature. Copy the specific path below, then navigate to Settings > Exclusion > Add Folder, and paste it there:

To keep system-managed recent and pinned records, exclude: