To Turn Recent Items On or Off in Start Menu Properties

1. Right click on the Start button, and click on Properties.

2. To Turn Recent Items On

     A) Check the Store and display recently opened items in the Start menu and the taskbar box. (see screenshot below step 4)

NOTE: If you just turned on Recent Items, then it may take a bit after opening the recents items a few times before they actually show up.

     B) Go to step 4.

3. To Turn Recent Items Off

     A) Uncheck the Store and display recently opened items in the Start menu and the taskbar box. (see screenshot below step 4) 

4. Click on OK. (see screenshot below)