[Bug] WinMerge does not save recent file history (v2.16.32 & v2.16.48)

[vol-phil]

Issue Description:

In versions WinMerge 2.16.48, 2.16.32 and 2.16.24, the program fails to retain the recent file history between sessions, even when installed via the official installer and running with standard user privileges.

Steps to Reproduce: Install WinMerge 2.16.48 (or 2.16.32) using the official setup executable. Open several files or folders for comparison, doing something. Close and reopen WinMerge. Go to File → Recent Files.

Expected Behavior: A list of previously compared files/folders should appear.

Actual Behavior: The "Recent Files" list is empty on every launch. No usage history is saved.

Additional Information: Reproduced in: WinMerge 2.16.48 WinMerge 2.16.32 WinMerge 2.16.24 OS: Windows 10 / Windows 11 Locale: Russian (ru-RU)

Temporary Workarounds Tried:

Manually placing a valid WinMerge.ini file with [Recent Files] section

Forcing UseAppData=1 and SaveSettings=1

Running as administrator / standard user

Using installed versions (not portable)

None of these restore working recent file history.

[sdottaka]

Is the Windows setting "Show recommended files in Start, recent files in File Explorer, and items in JumpList" turned off under Personalization → Start? If so, turning it on should allow WinMerge's history feature to work properly.

[vol-phil]

Thank you very much!

Enabling this option really helped, super!

IMHO It would be nice if this point was more transparent for users!