How to Fix Outlook Search Not Working

The search function in Outlook is usually a lifesaver, saving you from having to scroll by way of a whole bunch of emails to discover one thing. But, what occurs when Outlook search stops working? 

In this text, we’ll present you 9 methods to repair Outlook search. We’ll begin with the simplest and most probably repair, so strive these options within the order wherein they’re listed. 

Note: There are a number of variations of Outlook, and we’ll strive to cowl as many as potential wherever the method varies between variations. 

1. Restart Outlook Using the Task Manager

The very first thing to strive is just restarting Outlook. Often, closing this system doesn’t cease it from working within the background. To restart Outlook fully: 

1. Open the Start Menu and kind Task Manager.
2. Click on Task Manager.

3. Under the Processes tab, right-click Mail and choose End Task.

4. Re-open Outlook. 
5. Update Microsoft Outlook

Out-of-date software program typically introduces glitches, so the subsequent factor to strive when Outlook search will not be working is updating Outlook. 

2. Update Outlook 2013, 2016, or 2019

1. Open Outlook.
2. Select File > Office Account.

3. Under Product Information, click on Update Options.

4. Select Enable Updates, then within the drop-down field choose Update Now. 

Update Outlook 2010, Outlook 2016 for Mac, and Outlook for Mac 2011 

1. Open Outlook.
2. Select Help > Check for Updates.
3. Select Install Updates or Check for Updates in the event that they’re out there. Otherwise, choose Automatically Download and Install > Check for Updates. 

Once the replace has been accomplished, examine to see in case your search perform is working. 

3. Use the Windows Search Troubleshooter

Sometimes, the Windows Search Troubleshooter is in a position to repair Outlook search points (in addition to a bunch of different Windows search issues). To do that: 

1. Press the Windows key + I to open Settings.
2. Select Update & Security.

3. Click Troubleshoot and choose Additional troubleshooters. 

4. Scroll down and choose Search and Indexing > Run the troubleshooter. 

5. Wait for the troubleshooter to detect issues. When it asks what issues you’ve seen, choose Outlook search doesn’t return outcomes.

6. Let the troubleshooter strive to detect any issues once more. If it does, click on Try these repairs as an administrator.

Hopefully, the troubleshooter is in a position to restore Outlook and your search perform will work once more.You can also want to double-check that the Windows Search Service is working. 

To achieve this:

1. Open the Start Menu, sort providers.msc within the search bar and press Enter.

2. Scroll down and double-click Windows Search.

3. For Startup sort, set it to Automatic (Delayed Start). 

4. If the Service standing doesn’t say Running, choose Start. 

4. Rebuild the Outlook Index

A standard motive for the Outlook program’s search perform to cease working is that the index is corrupted or not working accurately. The index acts as a catalog that permits Outlook to search your emails. 

To rebuild the index:

1. Open Outlook.
2. Select File > Options.

3. Select Search > Indexing Options.

4. Select Advanced choices. 

5. Finally, choose Rebuild after which OK.

Wait for this course of to full after which restart your PC. Once it has restarted, examine to see whether or not Outlook search is now working. 

5. Double-Check Outlook Index Settings

Another widespread situation is that the settings relating to Outlook’s index are incorrect. Usually, key elements of Microsoft Office aren’t listed.

Check the Indexed Locations

1. Open Outlook.
2. Select File > Options.

3. Select Search > Indexing Options. 

4. Make certain that Microsoft Outlook is listed. 

5. If it isn’t, click on Modify.

6. Find and examine Microsoft Outlook, then choose OK.

Configure Indexing Options

1. Close Outlook.
2. Follow steps 1-3 above to open Indexing Options.
3. Select Advanced.

4. Select the File Types tab, scroll down to msg and choose it. 

5. Ensure that the Index Properties and File Contents setting is checked. 

6. Select OK. 

6. Repair Your PST Files

A PST file (Personal Storage Table) is a file format that Microsoft makes use of to retailer emails, calendar info, and contacts. It’s potential that a number of of those information has grow to be corrupted and is inflicting the Outlook search to malfunction. Luckily, it’s typically potential to restore PST information.

To do that:

1. Ensure that Outlook is closed.
2. In File Explorer, navigate to C:Program Files or C:Program Files (x86).
3. Type scanpst.exe into the search field and double-click it to run the executable file. 

Note: You can discover the latest model manually at: 

C:Program FilesMicrosoft OfficerootOfficial 16

4. In the sector Enter the file title to be checked, your major .PST file needs to be entered mechanically. 

Note: If not this may be discovered at:

Windows 10: drive:Users<username>RoamingLocalMicrosoftOutlook

Older variations: drive:Documents and Settings<username>Local SettingsUtility InformationMicrosoftOutlook

5. Select Start and await the method to full.

6. If the instrument finds errors, choose Repair.

7. Restart Outlook and examine if the search perform works. 

7. Use the Registry Editor

It’s potential to reset Outlook manually through the use of the registry. This is a form of compelled clear up of any bugged information, and we advocate solely doing this step in case you’re an skilled Windows consumer, as a number of points can come up from incorrect entries. 

Prior to doing this step, make a backup of your registry. 

1. Press the Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog field. 
2. Type regedit and hit Enter.

3. In the Registry Editor, navigate to: 

HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice16.0Outlook

Note: If you’re utilizing Outlook 2010, substitute 16.0 with 14.0. For Outlook 2013, use 15.0. 

4. Delete this folder. 
5. Restart your PC and examine the Outlook search perform. The registry entry ought to mechanically rebuild as you boot your PC. 

8. Create a New User Profile

Sometimes, the search could cease working due to a difficulty together with your Outlook profile. If a brand new profile works, it’s value transferring your knowledge and data out of your previous profile to the brand new one to repair the search malfunction. 

9. Reinstall Outlook

The solely choice remaining is to try to reinstall Outlook. To achieve this, you should have to use the Office uninstall assist instrument:

1. Download the Office uninstall support tool. 

2. Run the installer as soon as it’s downloaded. 

3. Select the model of Office you want to uninstall (for example, Microsoft 365 Apps) and full the wizard.

4. Restart your PC. Complete the steps when the uninstaller mechanically re-opens.
5. Reinstall the model of Office you want to use. 

In Search of Lost Time

Being in a position to search Outlook by sender, date, keyword, and so on., is one in every of its most helpful options. So, hopefully, one of many fixes on this information sorted out your Outlook search situation and you may get again to your emails. If you realize of a repair we haven’t listed right here, tell us within the feedback!