Troubleshooting Outlook Search not Working Error in All Versions

Summary: Microsoft Outlook is a leading email client, widely used for daily tasks. However, issues like a corrupt search index, Outlook profile problems, outdated versions, and data file corruption can initiate an Outlook search not working error. This becomes frustrating, especially when you urgently need to find emails or meeting schedules. To bypass this error, you can try various troubleshooting methods. We recommend using a professional PST Repair Tool to resolve these issues and restore search functionality in Outlook effectively. Download Now   Purchase Now

What Causes the Outlook Not Searching Error?

Outlook errors can be caused by a group of reasons. Here are the most common causes:

• When the index is damaged, Outlook will not search properly.
• Issues in the profile can stop Outlook from communicating with the server.
• Using an outdated version of Outlook can lead to compatibility problems.
• A faulty PST or OST file may cause missing or late search results.
• Incorrect search settings can also interfere with the search feature.
• Cause an error if the search index is not updated regularly
• Outlook might not be able to index and search a large volume of data.
• If your computer is slow, Outlook might not be able to index and search

These are the typical reasons that cause errors in Outlook. Maintenance, tracking, and best practices for Outlook prevent these common causes of errors.

How Do I Fix the “Search Does Not Work in Outlook”?

To rectify the error, we perform several techniques, i.e., manual techniques and professional techniques. Perform each technique with caution to eliminate any chance of data loss or data breach.

Manual Ways To Fix Microsoft Outlook Search Not Working

If you are experiencing Microsoft Outlook search problems not functioning, there are several manual steps that you can follow to fix the issue. The steps fix common problems like a corrupted search index, profile issues, or outdated software. The steps that you can follow to fix the issue manually are as follows:

1. Rebuild the Search Index

The ability to search within Outlook depends upon an index to locate emails and other items quickly. If the search index becomes corrupted, deleted, or stale, it might prevent Outlook from searching effectively.

How to Rebuild the Search Index:

1. Download and open Outlook on your system.
2. After that, go to the file section and choose the options tab.
3. Under the options tab, click on the Search option In the left-hand menu
4. Now, under the Sources panel, click on Indexing Options.
5. Next, tap on the Advanced button to open the advanced settings.
6. In the Index Settings tab, you’ll see an option to rebuild the search index.
7. Lastly, wait to fix the issue by rebuilding the index.

Rebuilding the index will fix most of the search problems since it forces Outlook to rebuild its search catalog.

2. Fix MS Outlook Search Not Working By Checking Your Outlook Profile

Sometimes, issues with your Outlook profile (such as corruption) can lead to search malfunctions. If your profile is not working correctly, creating a new profile can resolve many problems, including search failures.

Steps to Create a New Outlook Profile:

1. First, open the Control Panel from the Start menu in your system.
2. In the Control Panel, go for the Mail to open the Mail Setup panel.
3. After that, choose the Show Profiles option from the last.
4. Next, click the Add button and enter a name for the new profile.
5. Now, set your newly created profile as the default.
6. Then, open Outlook using the new profile to test if the search function works.

Having a new profile enables you to begin with a clean configuration, which can correct the search issue.

3. Fix Outlook Email Search Not Working by Updating Outlook

Having an older version of Outlook installed can cause many issues, including search problems. Microsoft frequently releases updates that address bugs and enhance functionality. Keeping your Outlook current guarantees that you reap the benefits of these patches.

How to Update Outlook:

1. Launch your Outlook application on your system.
2. After that, go to the File in the top left corner
3. Then, select Office Account from the menu.
4. Next, click Update Options under the product information.
5. Follow the prompts to install it (if an update is available).
6. After updating Outlook, restart it to fix the issue.

Updating Outlook regularly keeps it running with the most current version, which can fix bugs and improve performance, including search errors.

4. Fix Outlook Search Not Working By Repairing PST/OST Files

Damaged PST (Personal Storage Table) or OST (Offline Storage Table) files can cause a variety of Outlook issues, such as search problems. SCANPST.EXE, the built-in repair utility, can be used to fix issues in corrupted data files.

How to Repair PST/OST Files:

1. First, exit Outlook entirely before you start the repair process.
2. After that, locate SCANPST.EXE (the Inbox Repair Tool), typically located at:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\OfficeXX\

1. Next, open the PST and OST files that need to be repaired.
2. Now, click on the Start button to start the repair process.
3. Once the scan is complete, tap the Repair option to fix any errors found.

Repairing corrupted data files can get Outlook back to normal functioning, including the search function.

5. Fix Outlook Search Not Working via Enable Windows Search

Outlook depends on Windows Search to index and search items. If Windows Search is turned off or is in a broken state, Outlook’s search capability will not work.

Steps to Enable Windows Search:

1. First, open the Control Panel from the Start menu in your system.
2. Next, tap on Programs and then Turn Windows Features On or Off.
3. Scroll down and ensure that Windows Search is checked.
4. After that, restart your computer.

Re-enable or enable Windows Search to reestablish the search indexing required by Outlook.

6. Check Search Settings in Outlook

Incorrect search settings or filters may cause Outlook’s search to miss certain results. It’s essential to ensure that your search settings are properly configured.

How to Check Search Settings:

1. Download and open Outlook on your system.
2. After that, go to the File section and open the Options tab.
3. Now, under the Options window, click on the Search option.
4. Here, make sure to Include results from the current folder and all mailboxes are marked checked.
5. Additionally, make sure no filter prevents the search function.
6. In the end, test the search function again.

Modifying the search preferences can help Outlook find and display to you the results you need.

By working through the process step by step, you can fix the “Outlook search not working” issue manually. From resetting the search index to updating software, these solutions should be able to get the search working.

Best Solution to Fix Outlook Search Function Not Working

Corrupt PST files can trigger errors in Outlook. To resolve this, use a PST Repair Tool that effectively lets users repair corrupt PST files. This tool offers three recovery modes, allowing users to choose the appropriate one based on the level of corruption. It enables the recovery of lost or damaged emails, contacts, calendars, and other mailbox data. With a fast and seamless recovery process, this tool is a reliable solution for Outlook users dealing with PST file corruption.

Steps to Outlook search not working

1. Firstly, install and launch the PST Repair Software on your system.
2. After that, click on the Open option to choose the PST file
3. Next, browse and choose the desired PST file that you want to repair.
4. Next, choose the recovery mode based on the level of corruption.
5. Then, preview your data by opening a tree-like structure.
6. After that, choose the PST as a saving file format.
7. Now, apply the built-in feature according to your needs.
8. Also, supply the desired location on your local system to save the resultant file.
9. In the end, click on the save button to save the file format.

Conclusion

The “Outlook Search not working” issue usually occurs when emails aren’t indexed properly in Outlook. You can resolve it by rebuilding the email indexes, repairing the Office setup, and other methods. Additionally, using scanpst.exe can repair damaged data files. However, these solutions can be time-consuming and error-prone. For a faster and more reliable solution, we recommend using an advanced PST recovery tool. It offers maximum data recovery with minimal time and effort.