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
    2024-06-17T15:52:08+00:00

    You're very correct about Explorer Patch. I wish I'd seen your reply before installing it. In fact, it messed up my operating system and was interfering with other programs.

    I uninstalled, but t I could tell there were still remnants of changes made to the system and/or the registry because the context menu throughout the operating system looked exactly like Windows 10. I wouldn't have minded necessarily, but it was still interfering with other programs and functions.

    I ended up having to do a system image restore which I was prudent enough to create before installing Explorer Patch. What a mess! So I do not recommend anyone messing around with that program! Live and learn I suppose.

    I guess I'll just have to learn to deal. I did purchase Files App and that's been working pretty well. It's extremely annoying to have 2 Explorer apps to deal with, but I don't really see any other choice until Microsoft fixes this, if they ever do. 😕

    And I note that Microsoft hasn't even bothered to respond here..

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  3. Anonymous
    2024-09-27T06:35:23+00:00

    Could you please help me? I have followed all the steps mentioned, but no action has been taken, and the problem still exists

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  4. Les Ferch 10,361 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2024-09-27T12:41:35+00:00

    I have followed all the steps mentioned, but no action has been taken, and the problem still exists

    Those steps will make no difference in regards to bringing back the search history drop-down list in Explorer.

    That is, there is no way to get this feature back in Windows 11:

    Image

    The original Windows 11 21H2 build from 2021 had the drop-down history.

    When Microsoft changed the Explorer search behavior to display results as you type, the history feature was removed.

    There is no known fix or patch to get that feature back.

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  5. Anonymous
    2024-09-29T22:46:52+00:00

    I have the same issue. And also the file explorer sometimes is very slow and unresponsive, even crashes.

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