None of my apps are keeping a list of recent documents

Example:

If I open an image in Preview, the "File/Open Recent" menu does not list the name of the file.

Whatever I do, the "Open Recent" menu does not show any files.

From reading old threads about this I have a feeling this could be a permissions problem, but the solutions previously mentioned do not exist under Mac OS Monterey anymore and a standard repair permissions has not helped.

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3770942?answerId=17723638022#17723638022

I'm using Preview as an example here, but it holds for every app - whether they are bundled or downloaded - on my system.

System Preferences/Appearance/Number of Recent Items is set to 10 and 'recent files' and 'recent folders' works when I am in the Finder. Just not in any of the apps.

I am running Monterey 12.0.1 on a MacBook Pro 15 2018 (But the problem has persisted since the last system. I did a 'clean' install and transferred preferences, apps and documents from TimeMachine backup)

Any help or ideas are appreciated.

Thanks,

Matt