General Enable or Disable AutoSuggest in File Explorer Address Bar in Windows 11


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File_Explorer_banner.png

This tutorial will show you how to enable or disable AutoSuggest for the Run and File Explorer address bar for your account in Windows 10 and Windows 11.

As you type (ex: path) in the address bar of File Explorer (Win+E) or Run (Win+R), AutoSuggest will automatically show you a list of suggested matches of what you are typing in a drop down menu based on your address bar history. This way you can select the suggestion to autocomplete instead of having to fully type it out.

AutoSuggest is enabled by default, but you can disable it if wanted.

Disabling AutoSuggest does not clear your address bar history.

Disabling AutoSuggest appears to no longer work in Windows 11 23H2 and higher.




EXAMPLE: AutoSuggest enabled and disable in Run and File Explorer address bar

Run_AutoSuggest-enabled.png
Run_AutoSuggest-disabled.png


File_Explorer_address_bar_AutoSuggest-enabled.png
File_Explorer_address_bar_AutoSuggest-disabled.png




Here's How:

1 Do step 2 (enable) or step 3 (disable) below for what you want.

2 Enable AutoSuggest in File Explorer Address Bar

This is the default setting.


A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the REG file below, and go to step 4 below.​

Enable_AutoSuggest_in_File_Explorer_address_bar_and_Run.reg


(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\AutoComplete]
"AutoSuggest"=-

3 Disable AutoSuggest in File Explorer Address Bar

A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the REG file below, and go to step 4 below.​

Disable_AutoSuggest_in_File_Explorer_address_bar_and_Run.reg


(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\AutoComplete]
"AutoSuggest"="no"

4 Save the .reg file to your desktop.

5 Double click/tap on the downloaded .reg file to merge it.

6 When prompted, click/tap on Run, Yes (UAC), Yes, and OK to approve the merge.

7 If File Explorer or Run is currently open, then close and reopen it to apply.

8 You can now delete the downloaded .reg file if you like.


That's it,
Shawn Brink


 

Attachments

  • File_Explorer.png
    File_Explorer.png
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  • Disable_AutoSuggest_in_File_Explorer_address_bar_and_Run.reg
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  • Enable_AutoSuggest_in_File_Explorer_address_bar_and_Run.reg
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Last edited:
This doesn't work on Windows 11 23H2. The explorer has a bug where the suggestion bar keeps showing even after losing focus, very annoying. It's frustrating that they programmed such a basic program so badly.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Surface Laptop Studio
  • Operating System
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Motherboard
    PRO Z690-A
This doesn't work on Windows 11 23H2. The explorer has a bug where the suggestion bar keeps showing even after losing focus, very annoying. It's frustrating that they programmed such a basic program so badly.
I thought I was the only one having this issue. Glad to see its not just me; hopefully they get it fixed soon.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 9 7950X 4.5 GHz 16-Core Processor
    Motherboard
    Asus PRIME X670-P WIFI ATX AM5 Motherboard
    Memory
    Kingston Fury Renegade RGB 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL32 Memory
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 4060 Ti 16 GB
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell G2724D
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