Missing search tab - File Explorer (Windows 10 - 1909)

I have the same frustration but just found something amazingly simple that works! Click in the search box top right and TYPE something in there. The search tab appears in the ribbon but what you typed sticks in the search box and that makes things nasty. Now right-click any of the icon/buttons in the search tab and add it to the quick access bar. From now on Explorer still opens without Search tab, but WITH that icon in the quick access bar. As soon as you use such an icon, the search tab will appear in the ribbon. Presto. For me this works.

Seems like the obvious answer is to have the Search tab ALWAYS be there just like File, or Home, or Share, or View. I mean is it THAT hard to do?

Just installed update KB4556799 Cumulative Update, search in file explorer still not working.  I did find that if you carry out a dumb search such as "a" in a drive or big folder you will have a Search History all date and size criteria are working properly, the first search may take a very long time.  Come on Microsoft get this sorted or have you forgotten that one of the really good things a computer can do is store, sort and find files!!!!!. 

Sorry should have said use the History tab on File Explorer Home tab.

Replying to myself as edit not working, it appears that using the file history feature (active) will store copy's of the files pity so unless you have loads of disc space maybe not such a good option.

Clicking in the search box will show the list of past searches.