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. Les Ferch 10,361 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2024-06-17T12:12:21+00:00

    I'm going to try Explorer Patch and see what happens...

    ExplorerPatcher does not provide a fix for this issue.

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  2. Anonymous
    2024-06-16T22:19:05+00:00

    Some "feature." I've spent days trying to fix all the things with Windows 11 that I hate. It's more than getting used to something, it's a complete loss of productivity!

    I read somewhere that Microsoft was concerned about privacy issues in the EU, but what has that to do with File Explorer? Windows Search, I can see that, but gee, that still remembers every dang site you visit unless you disable it.

    I'm going to try Explorer Patch and see what happens... Only other options I see are (1) a fresh install of Windows 10, but I think that's dicey (2) try to install an older version of Windows 11 (which I don't think is good due to security patches, etc. and last but not least (3) time to get a MAC!

    I wish Microsoft would address this issue openly. They could at least explain their reasons for removing search history from File Explorer. Even their support staff (which have tried to be helpful with remote assistance, etc.) don't even seem to know the feature has been deprecated.

    If you're reading these posts Microsoft, PLEASE RESPOND! You're driving your customers away. I seriously regret buying my new PC, which is wonderful in all respects except...Windows 11 lacks basic functionality that has been in place for decades. It's completely unacceptable!

    Kathleen

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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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