Windows 11 File Explorer no longer remembers search history; how to reenable?

Anonymous
2023-03-18T16:09:33+00:00

I frequently use File Explorer to search for local files. Until recently, it would remember my past file searches, but beginning two days ago, without warning, File Explorer no longer remembers those searches; the search bar is empty. How do I reenable it?

I've confirmed that search and file history is enabled in Privacy settings. Any suggestions? Thanks.

Windows 11 Home 10.0.22621 Build 22621

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Files, folders, and storage

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  1. Anonymous
    2024-09-29T22:46:52+00:00

    I have the same issue. And also the file explorer sometimes is very slow and unresponsive, even crashes.

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  2. Anonymous
    2024-06-17T15:52:08+00:00

    You're very correct about Explorer Patch. I wish I'd seen your reply before installing it. In fact, it messed up my operating system and was interfering with other programs.

    I uninstalled, but t I could tell there were still remnants of changes made to the system and/or the registry because the context menu throughout the operating system looked exactly like Windows 10. I wouldn't have minded necessarily, but it was still interfering with other programs and functions.

    I ended up having to do a system image restore which I was prudent enough to create before installing Explorer Patch. What a mess! So I do not recommend anyone messing around with that program! Live and learn I suppose.

    I guess I'll just have to learn to deal. I did purchase Files App and that's been working pretty well. It's extremely annoying to have 2 Explorer apps to deal with, but I don't really see any other choice until Microsoft fixes this, if they ever do. 😕

    And I note that Microsoft hasn't even bothered to respond here..

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  3. Les Ferch 10,361 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2024-06-15T12:33:34+00:00

    They did. In Win 11 there is no drop down menu at all, on 10 there is still 3 items history drop down

    On Win 10, you can switch it back to the full search history by enabling feature 18755234 (aka "new" search). Unfortunately, there is no equivalent feature enablement in Win 11.

    Note: For Win 10 users, feature 18755234 can be enabled using ViveTool or by checking that feature in the WinSetView Options page.

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  4. Anonymous
    2024-06-15T10:32:10+00:00

    They did. In Win 11 there is no drop down menu at all, on 10 there is still 3 items history drop down

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  5. Anonymous
    2024-06-15T09:02:37+00:00

    Yep, its removal was not a bug, but a feature.

    On Win10 you can still get it back, but not on Win11. LesFerch had good instructions for it on Win10, but I don't remember if it was here or on another thread.

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