How to Fix Outlook Search Not Working

We’ll show you 9 different ways

The search feature in Outlook can be a lifesaver, saving you from having to scroll through hundreds of emails to find something. But, what happens when Outlook search stops working?

In this article, we’ll show you nine ways to fix Outlook search. We’ll start with the easiest and most likely fix, so try these solutions in the order in which they’re listed.

Note:There are several versions of Outlook, and we’ll try to cover as many as possible wherever the process varies between versions.

1. Restart Outlook Using the Task Manager

The first thing to try is simply restarting Outlook. Often, closing the program doesn’t stop it from running in the background. To restart Outlook completely:

Out-of-date software often introduces glitches, so the next thing to try when Outlook search is not working is updating Outlook.

2. Update Outlook 2013, 2016, or 2019

Once the update has been completed, check to see if your search function is working.

3. Use the Windows Search Troubleshooter

Sometimes, the Windows Search Troubleshooter is able to fix Outlook search issues (as well as ahost of other Windows search problems). To try this:

Hopefully, the troubleshooter is able to repair Outlook and your search function will work again.You may also wish to double-check that the Windows Search Service is working.

To do so:

4. Rebuild the Outlook Index

A common reason for the Outlook program’s search function to stop working is that the index is corrupted or not working correctly. The index acts as a catalog that allows Outlook to search your emails.

To rebuild the index:

Wait for this process to complete and then restart your PC. Once it has restarted, check to see whether Outlook search is now working.

5. Double-Check Outlook Index Settings

Another common issue is that the settings relating to Outlook’s index are incorrect. Usually, key components of Microsoft Office aren’t indexed.

6. Repair Your PST Files

A PST file (Personal Storage Table) is a file format that Microsoft uses to store emails, calendar information, and contacts. It’s possible that one or more of these files has become corrupted and is causing the Outlook search to malfunction. Luckily, it’s often possible torepair PST files.

To try this:

Note:You can find the most recent version manually at:

Note:If not this can be found at:

7. Use the Registry Editor

It’s possible to reset Outlook manually by using the registry. This is a kind of forced clean up of any bugged files, and we recommend only doing this step if you’re an experienced Windows user, as several issues can arise from incorrect entries.

Prior to doing this step, make a backup of your registry.

Note:If you’re using Outlook 2010, replace 16.0 with 14.0. For Outlook 2013, use 15.0.

8. Create a New User Profile

Sometimes, the search may stop working due to an issue with your Outlook profile. If a new profile works, it’s worth transferring your data and information from your old profile to the new one to fix the search malfunction.

9. Reinstall Outlook

The only option remaining is to try and reinstall Outlook. To do so, you will have to use the Office uninstall support tool:

In Search of Lost Time

Being able to search Outlook by sender, date, keyword, etc., is one of its most useful features. So, hopefully, one of the fixes in this guide sorted out your Outlook search issue and you can get back to your emails. If you know of a fix we haven’t listed here, let us know in the comments!

Jake Harfield is an Australian freelance writer whose passion is finding out how different technologies work. He has written for several online publications, focusing on explaining what he has learned to help others with their tech problems. He’s an avid hiker and birder, and in his spare time you’ll find him in the Aussie bush listening to the birdsong.Read Jake’s Full Bio

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How to Fix Outlook Search Not Working#

1. Restart Outlook Using the Task Manager#

2. Update Outlook 2013, 2016, or 2019#

3. Use the Windows Search Troubleshooter#

4. Rebuild the Outlook Index#

5. Double-Check Outlook Index Settings#

6. Repair Your PST Files#

7. Use the Registry Editor#

8. Create a New User Profile#

9. Reinstall Outlook#

In Search of Lost Time#

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