Recent Items list can be turned on or off i.e. they can be displayed or hidden in the Start menu in the following way:

1) Right click on the Taskbar and choose Properties option



Figure 1


2) In the Taskbar and Start Menu Properties window thus opened, click the Start Menu tab



Figure 2


3) Here mark the Store and display a list of recently opened files option under Privacy section to display Recent Items list in Start menu as highlighted in the above figure

Or

Uncheck the Store and display a list of recently opened files option under Privacy section to hide Recent Items list in Start menu as highlighted in the above figure