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
    2023-04-29T12:00:18+00:00

    Just thought I'd add that (installed on April 29, 2023) update KB5025305 did nothing to solve the problem.

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  2. Anonymous
    2023-04-26T01:59:58+00:00

    FWIW, I had the issue, I did a clean install of Windows (for another reason). It cured the problem with the search history... but very temporarily.

    Not sure exactly when it came back but one of the first things I did was add D:\ as an indexing location, and not long after doing that I noticed the search history had gone again.

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  3. Anonymous
    2023-04-07T04:27:59+00:00

    As of about 3 weeks ago, my Windows 11 File Explorer is now failing to find any files newer than March 19 in a search, though I can access the files directly, and they show the correct more recent dates. Why is Window's Search failing, and how can I get it working properly asap? It's important to be able to search for recent files!!!

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  4. Anonymous
    2023-04-06T17:05:50+00:00

    Uninstalling KB5023706 didn't initially work for me. But then I also uninstalled ExplorerPatcher. Search history is back. Just wish I could have that and my taskbar at the top of the screen!

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  5. Anonymous
    2023-04-05T10:00:11+00:00

    Me too!

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