Start with the strongest clue you have rather than trying to reconstruct every click. These steps work with Windows and the recent-item history your applications expose.
Think of a clue, not the whole filename
Was the item a spreadsheet, a presentation, a design file, or a folder? Do you recall one word in its name, the app you were using, or whether you opened it today? Any one of those details can cut down the search.
Search recent work in one place
What Was I Working On? provides a quick overlay with Alt + Space. Search by filename fragment, folder, application, or extension. It also understands quick terms such as today, yesterday, week, and pinned.
Refine the results
Combine memorable words and use the time, app, or file-type controls to reduce a long list. For an older item, open the full history window from the tray. If two results look alike, compare their application and folder details before opening one.
Open the file—or locate it on disk
Press Enter on a result to open it in its default application. Press Ctrl + Enter to show the item selected in File Explorer. Pin a useful item for quick access later.
Keep expectations realistic
A recent-work history is built from information exposed by Windows and supported applications. Some apps or item types may not provide a usable recent-item signal. It is not a backup service and it does not record every file operation.