Add "Search History" to File Explorer

[Mugsy323]

Description of the new feature / enhancement

Record searches in the file explorer to create a "Search History".

Scenario when this would be used?

Nothing more irritating than searching for a file in a particular location, not finding it, then having to retype your search phrase when checking a new location... except maybe trying to remember all the search terms you already tried that didn't work rather than waste time searching the same terms over & over again.

Supporting information

One of the most irritating things about the Win-11's "23H" update was the loss of a "Search History" in the file explorer. I don't know why it was done, but it would be nice to have a PowerTools "patch" to add it back on demand.

[TheJoeFin]

/feedbackhub

[microsoft-github-policy-service]

Hi! We've identified this issue that best is suited for Windows Feedback Hub. To do this on Windows, WinKey+F will bring it up!

[Mugsy323]

Thanks, but I've been trying them for months (as have others) and the request falls on deaf ears.

There is a "replacement app" in the Windows Store called "Files", but it costs $8.99 (and I don't know if it even does what I want.) and a free app called "Files-X", but only works on Win10 (I have Win11.)

So, I'm hoping the PowerToys Community can fix what MS refuses to do.

[TheJoeFin]

Adding a feature to Windows explorer where there are no exposed API means injecting code into the running process. It can be unsafe and is unreliable because the underlying app can change slightly and break your code. This is why these requests never get worked on.