Windows 10: Windows 11 File Explorer no longer remembers search history; how to reenable?

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

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File explorer search history is not clearing


Hi

I have gone through all the steps in the following thread, but my file search history is not clearing or updating. Search terms clear, but the old search reappears with deleted files on it.

Search History in File Explorer - Clear in Windows 10 - Windows 10 Forums

Any help would be appreciated.

 

file explorer search history

Since the last cumulative update (I think) both Win11 computers I have no longer have the search history popping up in the search boxes for any file explorer window. every time I'm moving from folder to folder to look for something I have to retype the search term and it's a little annoying.

I have turned off most of the options to show recent files/apps etc., show recently opened items in start, jump list and file explorer is off for example, but the search history is still enabled on both systems, activity history is enabled.

Does anyone know the bare minimum of other options I have to have active to keep the search history for file explorer being available or some other setting I need to enable or is this just some sort of bug?

 

File explorer search box history dispears after click Quick access

Windows 10 version 20h2

Steps to reproduce:

1. Open file explorer

2. type something in search box

3. clear search box

4. click search box again, you will see a drop down list showing recent search history

5. click the Quick access which is located at the top of file explorer Navigation pane

6. click search box again, it does not show the history list anymore

I have to close file explorer and open it again to get the search history back.