This just happen recently? There is a setting in Start Menu properties that can have the Recent Items show (there) or not. Still, there is enough stuff missing that I would suggest malware or corruption in the Registry. Run Malwarebytes, sfc /scannow & chkdsk /r/f. Depending on things after that or beyond that would consider Sys Restore or Repair from the OS disc before, feeling like a Rebuild is necessary. Regards, Drew