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Alternatively, if when the program launched perhaps it could scan the recent projects list. If it finds that any of those projects are no longer around it would automatically clear them out of the recent projects list. Other editors will auto clear the project if you try to switch to a project that no longer exists but I think the aforementioned solution is easier to manage from the user perspective.

 

 I've noticed the same phenomenon. It would be nice if instead of clearing all the projects we could clear/discard individual recent projects. At times I'll have a temporary project where I am testing out a feature. I discard that folder and no longer need it in the recent projects or switch project window.