Looking for the solution to fix an error Outlook search not working? The Outlook email client’s search functions are a helpful tool allowing users to search for specific information in an email message, such as the sender date, folder where it’s saved, or keywords using Outlook-specific search operators. If the Outlook search function isn’t working, there may be several reasons why.
Outlook is one application that not only helps access your emails but also takes care of your meeting schedules, reminders, contacts, to-do list, and other important information. The search is one feature that you can count on to access any of this information quickly.
Without even realizing it, we become so reliant on Outlook search that it can get very annoying when Outlook search stops working. Search can also stop working when Outlook even stops indexing. This could be due to the faulty application or the Outlook data file being corrupted. Here is complete information on how to resolve the Outlook not working issue.
How Do I Know if the Outlook Search Function is Not Working
- It doesn’t return searched results.
- Outlook is not showing any results on the screen.
- Search didn’t find anything matching your query.
- Outlook search is not returning recent or older emails.
- Search tab is unusable.
In case you have encountered one of the above issues, don’t worry we have got you covered. Below we have mentioned 8 guaranteed ways using which you can fix the search function not working in Outlook.
What are the Reasons Behind Outlook Search Function Not Working?
The reasons behind the unresponsive search function in Outlook can be many, right from minor issues including using an out-of-date version of Outlook to disable the index option, inactive search service, and issues in the Outlook application. Problems like these can be fixed manually.
If you are unable to fix them manually, one of the major reasons can be Outlook PST files getting corrupt. Which makes those files inaccessible to the user and Outlook cannot index them. So, in order to access those files, one must try to repair them.
Method #1: Update Microsoft Outlook
Using outdated applications causes users to face all sorts of glitches and issues. Updating Outlook may resolve the issue of the search function not working in Outlook.
Follow the steps mentioned below to check for any pending updates.
- Launch Outlook.
- Click on File Tab, click on Office Account.
- Click on Offices Updates, click on Update Now.
Method #2: Check the Indexing Status
One reason why the search box might not be responding is that Outlook may not have indexed all the mails or items in the data file completely. To check the indexed status follow the steps below.
- Click on the search tab in the Outlook application.
- Select the Search Tools and click on indexing status from the drop-down.
- If you don’t see a message stating Outlook has finished indexing all of your items. 0 items remaining to be indexed, wait for a few more minutes so that all the items are indexed completely.
Method #3: Enable Outlook Indexing Option
At times Outlook might have been removed from the list of indexing items. In order to check and enable the indexing option here is what you need to do.
- Click on the start menu, type Indexing Options in the search box, and select the displayed option.
- In the indexing option dialog box, check if Microsoft
- Outlook is listed under the index of these locations.
- If Microsoft Outlook is not listed, select Modify, and then click to enable the checkbox next to Microsoft Outlook.
- Select OK, and then select close.
Method #4: Disable Add-ins in Outlook
Add-ins are third-party applications built to boost users’ productivity. Having said that, using outdated or incompatible add-ins can cause havoc which might result in various types of issues in Outlook including Outlook application not working or responding, or search function-related problems, at times Outlook crashing as well.
- Launch Outlook, click on the File tab
- Click on options, click on Add-ins from the list.
- A list of all the add-ins including active, inactive, and disabled add-ins will appear on the screen.
- Select COM Add-ins from the manage list, click Go.
- Untick the add-ins that you want to disable, click OK.
- To see the effect of disabling add-ins, restart the Outlook application.
Method #5: Repair Damaged or Corrupted Files
Damaged Outlook PST file is the reason for this issue, Outlook search not working problem but an oversized Outlook PST file can also be the reason behind the PST data file corruption. So, in this scenario when the above methods do work, there might be a chance where the Outlook PST data file is corrupt.
So, after trying this method the still getting the error messages where Outlook data file not found. We bring you the best third-party tool SysTools PST Repair Software, the best proficient and efficient software. This tool is capable of repairing your PST files in a few seconds, it doesn’t matter if the PST file level of corruption is minor or major, it can work in both situations.
Final Verdicts
In this technical write-up, we have discussed the solution for fixing this error where Outlook search not working. We compare the manual and the automated approach for this Outlook error. But the manual method contains some drawbacks but this tool overcomes all the drawbacks. So, we recommend you go with an automated procedure for an instant solution.