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
    2023-07-25T23:06:40+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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  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
    2023-07-06T17:11:37+00:00

    So apparently with the length of this reported problem there is not any fix yet... I did jump all the way to the end to see if there was a real solution.

    This is a perfect example of why I am always hesitant on migrating to a new Microsoft Operating system.

    Any Microsoft "engineer" who cannot see the usefulness of the Windows Explorer search history should be ashamed !

    MS should issue a system update fix for this ASAP !

    No longer a problem; it's now a "feature." ;-)

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  5. Anonymous
    2023-05-19T07:21:37+00:00

    Hi Diplocaulus, and the other users who replied here.

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

    Microsoft takes user experience very seriously, if you think this feature can be helpful to you.

    You can submit your ideas and suggestions through the Feedback Center, and the development team will periodically review the ideas or fixes that are submitted.

    Send feedback to Microsoft with the Feedback Hub app - Microsoft Support

    After submitting, please share the feedback link here, as this will allow others on the forums to vote for your submission, including me. More votes will result in more visibility and higher priority for the development team.

    Your Sincerely

    Hahn - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

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