If you’ve ever accidentally closed an important app or need to quickly get back to your recent work and want to know How to Check Recently Closed Apps in Windows 11, you’re not alone. Whether it’s a browser you’ve been using or an editing tool for your latest project, knowing how to check recently closed apps can save you time and frustration. But don’t worry—Windows 11 has several simple ways to help you access these apps quickly.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to check recently closed apps in Windows 11, whether you’re using Task View, the Settings menu, or the Start menu. With these tips, you’ll be able to restore your workflow in no time.

 Why Checking Recently Closed Apps is Important

Before diving into the how-to steps, let’s briefly discuss why this feature matters. If you’re working on multiple projects or switching between apps frequently, it’s easy to close one by accident. In these cases, finding the recently closed app could save you hours of searching or redoing tasks.

If you’re looking to safely eject your external hard drive in Windows 11, it’s essential to follow the correct procedure to avoid data loss. You can refer to our detailed guide on how to eject external hard drive in Windows 11 for easy, step-by-step instructions. By following these simple steps, you ensure that your data remains safe and your device is properly disconnected.

Here are a few benefits of knowing how to check recently closed apps in Windows 11

• Quick recovery: Get back to your work faster.
• Improved productivity: Avoid the hassle of reopening or searching for apps.
• Efficient multitasking: Keep your workflow uninterrupted.

Now that we understand why this feature is important, let’s explore the methods available for checking recently closed apps in Windows 11.

 Method 1: Using Task View in Windows 11

Task View is one of the easiest ways to access recently closed apps in Windows 11. Task View allows you to see all your open windows and easily switch between them.

 How to Use Task View to Check Recently Closed Apps:

1. Open Task View: Click on the Task View button located on the taskbar or press Windows + Tab on your keyboard. This will bring up a full-screen view of all your open windows and virtual desktops.
2. Scroll through your recent activities: Under each desktop, you’ll see a list of open apps and documents. If you recently closed an app, it might still show up in the history.
3. Reopen the app: If the app you want is in the history, just click it to open it again.

Tip: If you can’t find the app, check if the app is still listed in the Recent Files section or in your taskbar history.

 Method 2: Accessing Apps Through the Start Menu

Windows 11 makes it easy to access both running and recently closed apps from the Start Menu.

 Steps to Find Recently Closed Apps in the Start Menu:

• Click the Start button or press Windows key on your keyboard.
• Search for the app: Type the name of the app in the search bar.
• Recent Apps: If the app was recently opened, it should appear at the top of your search results or under Recently Added.

This method works best for apps that you’ve launched recently but closed.

 Method 3: Using the “Alt + Tab” Shortcut

The Alt + Tab shortcut is one of the most efficient ways to switch between open apps on Windows 11, and it can also be used to check recently closed apps. However, this only works if you haven’t rebooted your PC.

 How to Use Alt + Tab to Find Closed Apps:

1. Press Alt + Tab on your keyboard.
2. Cycle through open apps: This will show all apps that are currently running.
3. Release Alt: When you reach the app you want, release the Alt key to open it.

While this method might not show apps you’ve completely closed, it can be helpful if the app was minimized or temporarily shut down.

 Method 4: Accessing the App via Quick Settings (for Apps with Pinned Tasks)

If you pin apps to the Taskbar in Windows 11, it’s easy to quickly reopen them even after they’ve been closed.

 Reopening Pinned Apps:

1. Locate the pinned app on your Taskbar.
2. Right-click on the app icon: You’ll see a list of recently opened or closed apps related to that app.
3. Click to reopen: Select the app or document you need from the list to open it again.

 Method 5: Using Settings to Check App History

Windows 11 includes a built-in feature that allows you to track your activity, including recently opened apps. Here’s how to use this feature:

1. Open Settings: Click on the Start Menu and select Settings.
2. Go to Privacy & Security: From the left sidebar, select Privacy & Security.
3. Activity History: Scroll down and look for Activity History. Here, you can manage what data is collected and view your app activity.
4. Check Recently Closed Apps: This feature allows you to see what apps you’ve opened and closed recently.

Keep in mind that this method provides an overview of your activity, which might include documents and settings as well, but it is still useful for tracking recently used apps.

 Method 6: Using Third-Party Apps to Track Recent Activity

For those who prefer more advanced tracking, there are several third-party apps designed to track recently closed or opened apps.

 Popular Third-Party Apps to Track Recently Closed Apps:

• RecentX: This app gives you a detailed history of all the apps you’ve opened and closed.
• Windows History Tracker: It keeps a running log of all your app activity, which can be accessed at any time.

These tools can offer more detailed logs if you’re someone who works with several applications and needs a more organized history.

 Method 7: Restoring Apps with File Explorer (For Recently Opened Files)

File Explorer offers an easy way to access files and apps you’ve recently used.

 How to Use File Explorer for Recently Opened Apps:

1. Open File Explorer: Press Windows + E.
2. Click on Quick Access: Under Quick Access, you’ll see recently opened files.
3. Open App Locations: If the app was linked to a specific file, it may appear here. Click on the file, and you can access the app directly from the file.

 Conclusion

Knowing how to check recently closed apps in Windows 11 can significantly boost your productivity. Whether you use Task View, the Start Menu, or third-party apps, there’s a simple way to recover those important applications you accidentally closed.

Remember, you don’t have to stress over lost windows and work. Windows 11 has built-in features to help you get back to your tasks in seconds, and with a little practice, you’ll be navigating through your recent apps like a pro.

If this guide helped you, make sure to share it with your friends and colleagues. Don’t forget to leave a comment below if you have any questions or tips on using Windows 11 more efficiently!

FAQ

Q1. How can I check recently closed apps in Windows 11?

Answer: To check recently closed apps in Windows 11, you can use Task View, the Start menu, or the “Alt + Tab” shortcut. Task View allows you to view all open apps and your app history, while the Start menu can show recently added or opened apps. The “Alt + Tab” shortcut lets you quickly cycle through recently used apps, though it may not show apps that were completely closed.

Q2. Can I recover a recently closed app using the Start menu?

Answer: Yes, the Start menu allows you to search for and access recently opened apps. Just click the Start button, type the app’s name, and it should appear under “Recently Added” or in your search results.

3. Is there a way to track recently closed apps automatically in Windows 11?

Answer: Windows 11 allows you to track your activity under the Activity History section in the Privacy & Security settings. This feature lets you view which apps were recently accessed, although it’s not as specific as other methods like Task View.

Q4. Can third-party apps help track recently closed apps in Windows 11?

Answer: Yes, third-party applications like RecentX and Windows History Tracker provide detailed logs of recently opened and closed apps, making it easier for power users to keep track of their app usage.

Q5. What is the best method to check recently closed apps in Windows 11 for productivity?

Answer: The best method depends on your needs. If you want a quick way to access recently closed apps, Task View or “Alt + Tab” are ideal. However, for a more detailed history, you may prefer to use the Activity History in Windows settings or a third-party app.

Q6. How do I prevent apps from closing accidentally in Windows 11?

Answer: You can pin important apps to your taskbar or use virtual desktops in Windows 11. Virtual desktops help you organize your work and prevent app closures by isolating tasks in different workspaces.

Q7. Can I use keyboard shortcuts to check recently closed apps in Windows 11?

Answer: Yes! You can use the “Windows + Tab” shortcut to open Task View, where you can see your open apps and recently closed ones. The “Alt + Tab” shortcut allows you to cycle through open apps quickly.