diff --git a/source/appModules/explorer.py b/source/appModules/explorer.py
index 7f716078ebc..aef427a9095 100644
--- a/source/appModules/explorer.py
+++ b/source/appModules/explorer.py
@@ -45,6 +45,12 @@ def _get_container(self):
 			return super(MultitaskingViewFrameListItem, self).container
 
 
+class SearchBoxClient(IAccessible):
+	# #20021: File Explorer can fire a redundant MSAA focus event on the search band pane
+	# immediately after the UIA SearchEditBox gains focus.
+	shouldAllowIAccessibleFocusEvent = False
+
+
 # Class for menu items  for Windows Places and Frequently used Programs (in start menu)
 # Also used for desktop items
 class SysListView32EmittingDuplicateFocusEvents(IAccessible):
@@ -213,6 +219,14 @@ def chooseNVDAObjectOverlayClasses(self, obj, clsList):  # NOQA: C901
 		windowClass = obj.windowClassName
 		role = obj.role
 
+		if (
+			windowClass in ("Search Box", "UniversalSearchBand")
+			and role == controlTypes.Role.PANE
+			and isinstance(obj, IAccessible)
+		):
+			clsList.insert(0, SearchBoxClient)
+			return  # Optimization: return early to avoid comparing class names and roles that will never match.
+
 		if windowClass == "ToolbarWindow32":
 			if role != controlTypes.Role.POPUPMENU:
 				try:
diff --git a/user_docs/en/changes.md b/user_docs/en/changes.md
index e277a3ab5f2..d7c660c3ae4 100644
--- a/user_docs/en/changes.md
+++ b/user_docs/en/changes.md
@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@
 ## 2026.1.1
 
 This is a patch release to fix a security issue.
+A bug fix is also included for an issue introduced in 2026.1 with how `ctrl+f` is handled in File Explorer.
 A change introduced in 2026.1 with how NVDA handles connection issues with Remote Access was removed.
 
 ### Security fixes
@@ -12,6 +13,10 @@ Please responsibly disclose security issues following NVDA's [security policy](h
 * Fixed an issue which could cause NVDA to connect to an untrusted Remote Access server. ([GHSA-m268-mc77-j2cr](https://github.com/nvaccess/nvda/security/advisories/GHSA-m268-mc77-j2cr))
 * Prevents a situation which could cause unselected add-ons to be copied to the system-wide configuration. ([GHSA-669f-7gpr-5vqm](https://github.com/nvaccess/nvda/security/advisories/GHSA-669f-7gpr-5vqm))
 
+### Bug Fixes
+
+* In File Explorer, pressing `ctrl+f` once again focuses the search box without subsequently reporting a pane. (#20021, @Cary-rowen)
+
 ### Changes
 
 * Remote Access once again attempts automatic reconnection after a failed initial connection as the controlled computer, rather than failing immediately.