By default, how many recently opened documents are displayed in the My Recent Documents or Recent Items folder in Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7?

The default setting for displaying recently opened documents in the My Recent Documents or Recent Items folder in Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7 is indeed 15. This design choice allows users to have quick access to their most recently used files, improving their productivity by streamlining file retrieval.

Windows operating systems typically use this method to help users manage and access files efficiently without needing to navigate through various folders extensively. The ability to see up to 15 documents is a balance between providing enough options for quick reference and preventing overwhelming the user with too many choices in a single view.

Other options reflect either fewer displayed items, which would not align with the standard user experience aimed at enhancing functionality, or an unlimited list, which could make it unwieldy and impractical for effective file management. Therefore, the choice of 15 is purposeful and tailored to user needs in terms of accessibility and usability.