Outlook Search Not Working? 9 Proven Fixes to Restore Search

Outlook Search Not Working is a common issue that prevents users from quickly and accurately finding emails, contacts, or other items in Outlook. It may occur due to incomplete indexing, incorrect search settings, Windows Search issues, outdated versions, or corrupted Outlook files.

In this guide, we’ll explain both simple and advanced approaches to fixing Outlook search not working issues and restoring search features.

Why Is Outlook Search Not Working?

Several factors can prevent Outlook search from working properly, including:

• Corrupted Outlook search index
• Windows Search service issues
• Outdated Outlook version
• Damaged PST or OST files
• Incorrect indexing settings
• Large mailbox size
• Add-in conflicts
• Corrupted Outlook profile
• Windows update issues

Fortunately, most Outlook search problems can be fixed within a few minutes.

Also read: How to Recall an Email in Outlook on Desktop, Web & Mobile

How to Fix Outlook Search Not Working Issue?

We provide several methods to fix the Outlook search not working issue, ranging from easy to advanced. Be sure to use each technique safely to minimize the risk of data theft or breach.

1. Restart Your Computer

A computer’s small system issues could trigger an Outlook search problem. In this situation, you should reboot your Windows PC to fix the issue.

To restart your Windows, open the Start Menu. Click the Power icon and select “Restart.”

2. Check and Adjust Outlook Search Settings

Incorrect search settings or filters could cause Outlook’s search engine to fail to show certain results. It is essential to ensure that your settings are in place and that your search is correctly configured.

• Open Microsoft Outlook.
• Click inside the Search box at the top.
• Select the Search tab.
• Click Search Tools.
• Select Locations to Search.
• Make sure the correct mailbox or folder is selected.
• Remove unnecessary filters or search restrictions.
• Try searching again.

3. Updating Outlook

An older version of Outlook installed could cause a variety of problems, such as the Outlook search bar not working
. Microsoft regularly releases updates to fix bugs and improve capabilities. So keeping your Outlook updated will ensure that you benefit from these updates.

• Open Microsoft Outlook.
• Click File.
• Select Office Account.
• Click Update Options.
• Select Update Now.
• Wait until Outlook installs the latest updates.
• Restart Outlook and check the search feature.

4. Enable and Restart Windows Search Service

Outlook relies upon Windows Search to index and search for items. If Windows Search is turned off or in a damaged state, Outlook search will not work.

• Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
• Type:
  services.msc
• Press Enter.
• Find Windows Search from the list.
• Right-click it and select Properties.
• Set Startup Type to Automatic.
• Click Start if the service is not running.
• Click Apply and then OK.
• Restart Outlook.

5. Run Windows Search and Indexing Troubleshooter

Windows Search and Indexing troubleshooter allows users to identify and resolve any issues on your PC. This tool is worth a try when Outlook search isn’t working properly.

• Press Windows + R.
• Type:
  ms-settings:troubleshoot
• Press Enter.
• Click Other troubleshooters.
• Find Search and Indexing.
• Click Run.
• Follow the instructions shown on the screen.
• Restart Outlook after troubleshooting is complete.

6. Rebuild Outlook Search Index

The ability to search in Outlook relies on an index to identify email messages and other files quickly. If the search index is corrupted, deleted, or old, it is a common reason Outlook search not working.

• Open Control Panel.
• Select Indexing Options.
• Click Advanced.
• Under Troubleshooting, click Rebuild.
• Wait for Windows to finish rebuilding the index.
• Restart Outlook and try searching again.

7. Create a New Outlook Profile

Sometimes issues with your Outlook Profile (such as a corrupted profile) can cause Outlook search not working issues. If your Outlook profile isn’t working correctly, creating an entirely new profile will resolve numerous issues that can cause search issues.

• Close Outlook.
• Open Control Panel.
• Select Mail.
• Click Show Profiles.
• Click Add.
• Enter a new profile name.
• Add your email account details.
• Select Always use this profile.
• Choose the new profile.
• Open Outlook and check whether search works

The new profile will allow you to start with a fresh configuration that fixes the search issue in Outlook.

Also read: Fix Outlook Not Opening: 10 Easy Solutions for Windows Users

8. Repairing PST/OST Files

Infected PST (Personal Storage Table) or OST (Offline Storage Table) files can trigger a range of Outlook problems, such as Outlook search not working problems. SCANPST.EXE, the built-in repair utility, is a tool to fix problems in corrupted files.

• Close Microsoft Outlook.
• Open the SCANPST.EXE tool location:
  C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16
  Open SCANPST.EXE.
• Click Browse.
• Select your PST file.
• Click Start.
• Wait for the scan to complete.
• Click Repair if errors are found.
• Restart Outlook and check search results.

9. Repair the Outlook Application

If the issue persists after troubleshooting and rebuilding your index, it could be with the application itself. Fortunately, Windows lets you fix software that is running a glitch. Outlook could develop issues over time due to software bugs, file corruption, and compatibility problems. It is possible to follow these steps to resolve the Outlook search not working in Windows 11 via the app repair option:

• Close Outlook.
• Press Windows + R.
• Type:
  appwiz.cpl
• Press Enter.
• Select Microsoft Office or Microsoft 365.
• Click Change.
• Choose Quick Repair.
• Follow the instructions.
• If the issue continues, run Online Repair.
• Restart your computer and open Outlook.

Preventive Tips to Avoid Outlook Search Issues

To prevent Outlook search problems from happening again, follow these simple maintenance tips:

• Keep Outlook and Windows updated to the latest version.
• Allow Outlook indexing to complete without interruption.
• Maintain a smaller mailbox by removing unnecessary emails and attachments.
• Disable unused Outlook add-ins that may affect performance.
• Regularly check and repair PST/OST files.
• Keep the Windows Search service enabled.
• Close Outlook properly to avoid data corruption.
• Restart Outlook and your computer regularly.

Conclusion: Solve Outlook Search Not Working issue

The “Outlook Search not working” problem usually happens when emails aren’t indexed in Outlook. It can be resolved by rebuilding the email indexes, fixing the Office setup, or using other options. Furthermore, scanning with scanpst.exe can fix damaged files. However, these methods can be lengthy and error-prone.

FAQs: Outlook Search Not Working