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
    2024-03-03T20:39:00+00:00

    None of these options work!

    Why can't you provide a definitive answer?

    Is this a new "Feature"?

    Do Microsoft have limitations when being truthful?

    I am sure this function is used by millions of employees regularly on a daily basis.

    Who can provide an answer? And prove that the method works by showing screen shots.

    Sad.

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  2. Les Ferch 10,361 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2024-03-04T06:44:07+00:00

    Are you referring to the search drop down list in Explorer like this?

    I had to fire up Windows 11 21H2 build from two years ago to get this screenshot.

    AFAIK, when Microsoft changed the Explorer search behavior to display results as you type, the history feature was removed. That happened a long time ago, but maybe you received that change more recently.

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  3. Anonymous
    2024-03-04T10:38:17+00:00

    Yes, exactly, we want that feature back! I use a lot of files constantly and search a lot. Its a dealbreaker for me. Maybe its a technical limitation or something, but I dont think so. It sounds very simple

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  4. Anonymous
    2024-03-04T20:45:39+00:00

    Yes, exactly, we want that feature back! I use a lot of files constantly and search a lot. Its a dealbreaker for me.

    This is a resounding cry from a production point of view.

    Bring the feature back.

    Glad my next PC purchase will be non microsoft.

    Bad decisions from developers.

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  5. Anonymous
    2024-03-11T14:45:00+00:00

    It's encouraging to see more people are still replying to this thread and voicing their dissatisfaction with the removal of this feature. Keep it up, guys. Let's make this thread go viral lol. It's bad enough that Microsoft basically has a monopoly and now forces updates on their operating system that in many cases cause more problems than they solve. Microsoft needs to be held accountable and have a channel where they actually respond to customers about issues and work with them to resolve them, rather than giving ****responses and then going completely silent.

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