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
    2023-03-22T14:45:03+00:00

    Hi Hahn - MSFT,

    Thank you for your suggestions and for reporting this issue to MS. I completed the steps you outlined in "To clear the File Explorer history", however for "To check the search settings" I see no Search option in the left-hand menu (see attached screenshot).

    Could you kindly post a screenshot from your own Windows 11 PC? Thank you.

    ![](https://learn-attachment.microsoft.com/api/attachments/e12f8d40-a86d-4996-9a89-5613fb70d17a?platform=QnA

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  2. Anonymous
    2023-03-23T01:47:41+00:00

    Hi Diplocaulus,

    Sorry, my expression may have misunderstood you.

    You can navigate to "Privacy & security > Searching Windows" by searching for the keyword "Searching" in the search box.

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  3. Anonymous
    2023-03-23T09:28:08+00:00

    This is happening on both my Windows 11 PCs too.

    I have searched the internet, and tried all suggestions, including those here - nothing works.

    Can MS confirm this is a known issue, and will be fixed?

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  4. Anonymous
    2023-03-23T09:39:17+00:00

    Hi Eugene,

    Thank you for your feedback.

    I have submitted this issue through internal channels. To be fixed by the technical team to collect more evidence and better analyze this issue, pending subsequent releases.

    In addition, you can also submit your problem through the Feedback Hub (if convenient, please provide as much detail as possible, including pictures, repro videos, etc.).  

    Please share the feedback link here after submitting as it will allow others on the forum to vote for your submission, including me. More votes will lead to more visibility and higher priority to the development team.

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

    Your Sincerely

    Hahn - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

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  5. Anonymous
    2023-03-23T13:15:56+00:00

    Hi Hahn - MSFT,

    Thank you again for your response and for the screen shot. Per your directions:

    Click on "Permissions & history."

    Under "History," make sure that the option "Search history on this device" is enabled.

    Two questions:

    1. Typing "Searching" into the search fields opens a screen different from your screenshot example (see attached). Is your screenshot from Windows 11? Or another version of Windows?
    2. Neither in your screenshot example, nor on my system, are there options titled "History" nor "Search history on this device." Where do I find these options? Thanks again.

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