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

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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  1. Anonymous
    2023-12-06T02:09:46+00:00

    Just admit that MS REMOVED this very helpful and traditional feature. One day, after some update that I'll never recall or find, File Explorer search history (to spell it out: where a drop-down shows showing a clock and a bunch of previously-searched words) no longer showed.

    This is absolutely asinine. What a joke.

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  2. Anonymous
    2023-09-22T18:18:27+00:00

    Many of us are using Windows 11 for work so we do not have permissions to use the Microsoft Store and change admin settings so we need a solution that applies to all users like it always used to in Windows 10 and earlier.

    Maybe you should alert your IT admins, if you haven't already?

    I was wondering the same thing... I'm a retired IT systems analyst/programmer and definitely would have escalated this to the IT help support group... plus I would have had my users report system support request tickets for this problem too !

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  3. Anonymous
    2023-09-22T17:38:30+00:00

    Many of us are using Windows 11 for work so we do not have permissions to use the Microsoft Store and change admin settings so we need a solution that applies to all users like it always used to in Windows 10 and earlier.

    Maybe you should alert your IT admins, if you haven't already?

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  4. Anonymous
    2023-09-22T16:09:30+00:00

    I found that if you go to START and then look at the list of ALL APPS you see FEEDBACK HUB. However, it wants me to log into a site and I can not figure out which credentials to use. Still struggling to make a feedback item (or search for one that applies and vote on it).

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  5. Anonymous
    2023-09-22T15:28:53+00:00

    Many of us are using Windows 11 for work so we do not have permissions to use the Microsoft Store and change admin settings so we need a solution that applies to all users like it always used to in Windows 10 and earlier.

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    4 people found this answer helpful.
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