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
    2023-08-17T02:43:43+00:00

    One thing that pisses me off is they see these posts and they know people are frustrated and looking for an answer

    they don’t give a…………………..k

    They don’t want even acknowledge that there is something wrong, and they are working on it.

    hear, hear!

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  2. Anonymous
    2023-08-16T23:27:50+00:00

    One thing that pisses me off is they see these posts and they know people are frustrated and looking for an answer

    they don’t give a…………………..k

    They don’t want even acknowledge that there is something wrong, and they are working on it.

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    4 people found this answer helpful.
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  3. Anonymous
    2023-08-16T18:21:59+00:00

    Nope. There's no money in helping people that already bought Windows with their pc. Too bad Microsoft doesn't have more viable competitors, maybe they would exert some effort for once.

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  4. Anonymous
    2023-08-16T18:15:29+00:00

    this issue has been submitted to MS repeatedly for years now. will it ever be fixed? this is pretty basic functionality to let it go this long. seriously double-u tee eff.

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  5. Anonymous
    2023-08-16T18:13:03+00:00

    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.

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