How to Resolve the Outlook Search Not Working Problem?

The search functionality in Outlook is quite a helpful one. Through it, users can quickly look for particular information in an email text. Consequently, when users find Outlook search not working, they may face trouble looking for information. 

But there are various ways to get around it. When you cannot search for specific information like date, sender, or where it’s saved, it means the search functionality of the Outlook email client isn’t working. In this article, you’ll find some valuable techniques to resolve this problem. 

 
Resolutions for Outlook Search Not Working

You can fix the search not working in Outlook by simply updating Microsoft Office. You can also try other advanced fixes like rebuilding the Outlook index. The different methods are explained below.

 

Update Outlook

Software that’s not updated will frequently face various glitches. So, you can update Outlook to fix this problem. If you are using Outlook 2019, 2016, or 2013, follow the steps below to update it. 

 

• Launch Outlook and choose ‘File.’
• Select ‘Office Account.’
• Choose ‘Update Options’ present under ‘Product Information.’
• If the option is available, choose ‘Enable Updates.’
• Lastly, select ‘Update Now.’

 

Rebuild the Outlook index

Rebuilding the Outlook index will definitely get this problem fixed for you. Follow these points.

 

• Navigate to ‘Control Panel.’ 
• Then go to ‘Programs’ followed by ‘Programs and Features.’
• Choose ‘Outlook 2019, Microsoft Office [Your Version].’
• Choose ‘Change’ and then ‘Quick Repair.’
• After that choose ‘Repair’ to resolve the Outlook indexing problem.
• After the process ends, restart the system.

 

Examine Outlook index locations

When you find that Outlook search is not working, try double-checking that the Outlook program is present on the indexed locations list. Launch the program and go to ‘File.’ After that, follow these steps.

• Go to ‘Options’ followed by ‘Search’ and then ‘Indexing Options.’
• Choose ‘Modify’ from the panel. See that there’s a check beside Microsoft Outlook and hit ‘OK.’
• Lastly, restart your system.

 
Repair Outlook via the registry

It is also possible to fix Outlook search via the Windows Registry. To do that, follow these steps. 

 

• Hit Windows key + R to launch the Run dialog box.
• Input ‘regedit’ and hit enter to launch the Registry editor. 
• Hit CTRL + F for opening the search menu. 
• Now, paste the registry key below.
•  

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Windows Search

 

• When it’s found, choose the right-hand panel and choose ‘New Dword (32-bit).’
• Give the Dword ‘PreventIndexingOutlookName’ and assign it zero value.
• Hit ‘OK’ and start your system again. 

 

Reinstall MS Outlook 

If the methods explained above don’t work, you can try uninstalling and reinstalling MS Outlook. Although this process is a bit lengthy, many users have found it helpful. But use it only as a last resort to fix this issue. 

 

Final Words 

Use these fixes whenever you notice Outlook search not working. They will certainly help you tackle the issue effectively. But if the problem remains, contact expert Outlook customer support service. The professionals will quickly remove this problem for you.