How To Fix Outlook Search Not Working on Windows 11/10

The Outlook email program has a useful search function tool that allows regular users to search for specific information in an email, such as the sender, date, folder where it is saved, or keywords. This feature is quite useful because it allows you to easily find messages on your folder by simply typing anything related to the email, which can be anything from the body or the address of the person. sender or receiver. This makes it easier to find messages on Outlook.

However, what if you discover that Search in Outlook is not working? The situation can be so frustrating because when Search in Outlook stops working, you won't be able to see search results anymore. Do not worry! We describe in this post several methods that will help you to solve this difficult error problem. Let's get started with solutions to help you troubleshoot Outlook Search Not Working!

A. Is Outlook Search Not Working? Rebuild the Outlook Index

1. Open Outlook, then select File > Options > Search. Now, select Indexing Options

2. Click on Advanced

3. In the Advanced Options , select tab Index Settings and click Rebuild

4. Then you will receive a message that this check will take a long time, to continue you click OK to agree and proceed with the reset.

B. Use Programs and Features

To rebuild the Outlook index when Outlook search isn't working:

1. Type control into the Windows search bar and select the best match to open the Control Panel.

2. Head to Programs > Programs & Features.

3. Select Microsoft Office and select change.

4. Choose Quick Repair, then Repair, to fix the Outlook indexing issue without using your internet connection.

5. Continue, select Repair and wait for the check to take place.

6. Let the process complete, then restart your system.

C. Check Outlook Indexing Location

Next, double check that Outlook is on the list of indexed locations.

1. Open Outlook and go to File > Options > Search > Indexing Options. Select Modify from the Indexing Options panel. Make sure there is a check mark along with Microsoft Outlook, then click OK.

2. Now, reboot your system.

D. Fix Outlook Search Using the Registry

1. Launch the Registry Editor by pressing Windows + R, type regedit, and then press Enter

2. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows

3. Click Edit > New > Key and name it to Windows Search

4. Select the new key you just named and click Edit > New > DWORD Value

5. Name the DWORD Value PreventIndexingOutlook and then double-click it. Set 1 as its value

6. Exit the Registry Editor and restart Outlook

E. Update Microsoft Office

When was the last time your Office version was updated? Your Outlook search issues might resolve by updating Office to the latest version.

1. Open Outlook. Head to File > Office Account  

2. Check under Product Information for the Update Options drop-down menu. Select Update Now if available and let the process complete.

F. Repair Your Outlook Personal Folder File (.PST)

Another option is to repair your Outlook personal folder file (.PST) using the Inbox Repair tool. Outlook search may encounter issues if your Outlook personal folder file is corrupt.

First, you need to find the repair tool. Its location is dependent on your Outlook version. You're looking for scanpst.exe in one of the following locations:

• 32-bit Office 2016 and newer: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office16\
• 64-bit Office 2016 and newer: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office16\
• 64-bit Outlook 2016 and newer: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office16\
• Office 365 (2016 package): C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\office16\
• 32-bit Office 2013: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office15\
• 64-bit Office 2013: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office15\
• 64-bit Outlook 2013: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office15\
• Office 365 (2013 package): C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\office15\

1. Run the file SCANPST.EXE.

2. Select the PST file for your Outlook profile.

3. Click Start to begin scanning.

4. Click Repair to fix any problems that have been found.

5. Restart Outlook.

G. Reinstall Outlook

As a last resort, you can uninstall then reinstall Microsoft Outlook. Of course, this is time-consuming and not an ideal solution. But some users report that this last resort finally fixed their Outlook search issues.

These are fixes should take care of every Outlook search failure. If your Outlook search isn't working, don't panic. Just work your way through the list.

In my experience, rebuilding and refreshing the Outlook search index usually gets things moving again. But if not, repairing the Outlook personal file is another reliable option.