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

Where is the "feedback app"?

That's a good question. If you ask Bing AI, it will give you convoluted and erroneous instructions. However, this works for me:

1. Click on the Windows 11 Search (magnifying glass) on the task bar;
2. Type "Microsoft Store" into the search field;
3. Type "Feedback Hub" into the Microsoft Store app search field;
4. If Feedback Hub is already installed, it should pop-up; if not, you can install it for free.

Why this takes so many steps is beyond me. Good luck.

Where is the "feedback app"?

i tried all this methods and the problem still not solved

None of that works, Trust me we all tried. But I think you knew that already so please concentrate your efforts on an actual solution instead of having us waste our time on scary deep configuration attempts that don't work anyway.

Hi Diplocaulus,

Welcome to Microsoft Community.

I'm Hahn and I'm here to help you with your concern.

I’m sorry to hear that you are having trouble with File Explorer not remembering your search history.

One possible solution is to disable and clear the search history on Windows 11 using these steps:

Clear the File Explorer history: Open File Explorer, click on the "View" tab in the ribbon, and then click on "Options." In the "Folder Options" window, click on the "Clear" button next to "Clear File Explorer history." This will clear the search history and may enable it to start working again.

Check the Windows Search service: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box, type "services.msc" and hit Enter. In the Services window, scroll down to "Windows Search" and make sure it is running. If it's not running, right-click on it and select "Start."

Rebuild the Windows Search index: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box, type "control.exe srchadmin.dll" and hit Enter. In the Indexing Options window, click on "Advanced," then "Rebuild" under Troubleshooting. This will rebuild the Windows Search index, which may help restore the search history.

Check your system for malware: It's possible that malware may be interfering with the search history feature. Run a malware scan using your preferred antivirus software to check for any threats.

Check the Search settings: Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key + I, then click on "Search" and select "Searching Windows." Make sure that the option "Search history on this device" is enabled.

Reset the File Explorer Options: Open File Explorer, click on the "View" tab in the ribbon, and then click on "Options." In the "Folder Options" window, click on the "Reset Folders" button under the "View" tab. This will reset the File Explorer Options to their default settings.

Hopefully, one of these steps will help you re-enable the file search history in File Explorer on your Windows 11 Home computer.

If there is anything not clear, please do not hesitate to let me know.

 

Your Sincerely

Hahn - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

I have the same issue as OP and I have tried everything you described on all 3 of my Windows 11 devices and still none of them have file explorer search history functionality like previous versions of Windows conveniently had. sad reacc.

I have been told by the admins here that this is no longer a bug, rather it's now a "feature."