listing of recent searches in win 11 file explorer is broken

Hi

Welcome to Microsoft community.

If your recent search history in File Explorer isn't working on Windows 11, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can try:

1. Clear Search History: In File Explorer, click on the Search box > Search Tools > Recent Searches > Clear search history.

2. Check Privacy Settings: Go to Settings > Privacy & security > Activity History and ensure that "Store my activity history on this device" is enabled.

3. Check Indexing Options:

   • Open Control Panel (you can find it by searching in the Start menu).

   • Click on "Indexing Options".

   • Click on "Advanced".

   • Under Troubleshooting, click on "Rebuild". This will rebuild your index which might solve the issue.

4. System File Checker (SFC): Use the System File Checker tool to repair missing or corrupted system files.

   • Open Command Prompt as an administrator.

   • Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.

   • Wait for the scan to complete and follow any instructions given.

5. DISM Tool: If SFC didn't help, you can use Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool:

   • Open Command Prompt as an administrator.

   • Type DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth and press Enter.

   • Wait for it to complete and restart your computer.

6. Create a New User Account: Sometimes user profile corruption can cause issues like this one. You could try creating a new user account to see if the problem persists there.

Please let me know if you need any further assistance. Thank you. 

Best regards

Derrick Qian | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

Hi Derrick,

1. Please explain your first recommendation. There is nothing else do with the File Explorer search box except click on the box to activate it (a blue line appears near the bottom of the box and a flashing I-beam also appears) and start typing a search query. I even tried right-clicking the box but there is no context menu.

2. Please explain your second recommendation. There is nothing in privacy and security settings that specifically says "Activity History".

Regards,

Frank

Please see my 10-22-23 message. I need answers.