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. Anonymous
    2023-07-16T06:07:45+00:00

    I have tried all the steps you suggest, and I still have to type in my search every single time, in other words no history. I have Windows 11 pro.

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  2. Anonymous
    2023-07-25T07:56:06+00:00

    Microsoft - when will this be fixed?

    This issue , like many, has been hanging around for ages, with seemingly no attempt to fix.

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  3. Anonymous
    2023-07-25T16:56:24+00:00

    I have the same issue/bug. I attempted all of the possible solutions offered by Microsoft Support and nothing worked. This really shouldn't be so hard to fix and even if it is somehow extremely hard to fix this bug, it should be prioritized, not ignored for several months with no signs of progress or updates. It is even more inexcusable when you consider the fact that for ages, we were given the ability to see and use our search history in File Explorer then it was suddenly taken away from us with Windows 11 which was supposed to be a superior product, not inferior. I have subscribed to this feed and look forward to hearing some news that our seven screens worth of feedback are not being ignored and that a solution is on its way.

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  4. Anonymous
    2023-07-25T23:06:40+00:00

    I only recently started following this (and the Taskbar) 'downgrades' threads of Win/11 because I was forced by my company to move from Win/10 to Win/11.

    I didn't realize how old Win/11 is https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_11 and then read this from the article: "...but was criticized for various modifications to aspects of its user interface that were seen as worse than its predecessor;"

    So Win/11 is approaching its terrible twos and I'm guessing is unlikely to see any remediation.

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  5. Anonymous
    2023-07-26T00:49:51+00:00

    It was believed that the even numbered Windows releases were inferior to the odd numbered ones - until Microsoft skipped a number and released Windows 10. It seems to me that the sequence is now reversed with the odd numbers denoting what are basically alpha test operating systems and maybe the best we can hope is that this is fixed in Windows 12. Therefore I will now refer to this release of the OS as "Windows llemon"

    Trying to see some logic behind Microsoft actions... there has been a move to the cloud and the contents of a folder tree could change at any time as some other user makes a change or a file change syncs. Therefore there is no reason to cache search results. So perhaps the thinking is that the search history is now pointless... though that would be very wrong as it is still would be great use to the users.

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