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
    2023-06-13T15:35:50+00:00

    I submitted this to the Feedback Hub

    Suggestion

    "The current Windows 11 File Explorer no longer shows the search history, by design." WHY? I WANT IT BACK!

    https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/windows-11-file-explorer-no-longer-remembers/02821954-7de0-4822-8727-a61a5464bd8f?page=5

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

    Hahn - MSFT Microsoft Agent | Moderator

    Replied on May 19, 2023

    Hi Diplocaulus, and the other users who replied here.

    The current Windows 11 File Explorer no longer shows the search history, by design. . . ."

    Bad decision. I, and apparently lots of other heavy users, save a lot of time with that feature. Iterative searching is intuitive. Saved Searches is not a substitute, because it doesn't leave anything in the search box to build on. I can copy and keep pasting name:~= but many useful searches will include AND NOT or OR. Now I'm going to have to keep a text file open with many skeleton search terms. (After 37 years, I have more than 100K files and have used many different naming schemes, as well as having many imposed on me.) Screenshot shows what I want back.

    [Can't upload screenshot]

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  2. Anonymous
    2023-06-13T16:51:42+00:00

    Call me cynical, but I suspect that the Windows 11 coders didn't want to deal with the issue so they took it off the docket by declaring the bug a feature. Just another step toward abandoning Windows 11 entirely.

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  3. Anonymous
    2023-06-14T19:28:27+00:00

    In case anyone was wondering, the latest update KB5027231, which again has security updates, also includes "improvements" such as this.

    I'm going to keep hiding the SECURITY updates until either the thing is fixed, or I find a file explorer alternative that I like that has a search history.

    Maybe I should just go back to Windows 10 or switch to Linux. Seems to be safer that way.

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  4. Anonymous
    2023-07-05T17:40:31+00:00

    I agree. MS: please restore search history.

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  5. Anonymous
    2023-07-05T18:17:52+00:00

    I don't think they are going to make any changes that they can't bill each user for. So I wouldn't hold my breath.

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