The search feature in Microsoft Outlook is a power tool. Fortunately, Outlook search is easy to fix when it breaks. Just follow our eight ways to get Outlook search working again. You'll be back pacing through your emails in no time.

1. Run the Windows Search Troubleshooter

Windows 10 Search and Indexing Troubleshooter

Before we dive into Outlook-specific fixes, let's use one of the many Windows troubleshooters.

  1. You'll find the Windows search troubleshooter under Start > Settings > Update & Security.
  2. From here, pick Troubleshoot, go to Additional troubleshooters, then find and select the Search and indexing option, and click Run the troubleshooter.
  3. Next, check the box alongside Outlook search doesn't return results followed by Next.

Let the troubleshooter run and complete its fixes, then restart your system.

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

To get you started, jump straight into this Outlook search fix that often resolves the issue straight out of the gate. There are two ways of doing this. Both are quick and usually work. In short, if Outlook indexing stops working, it can't track and list your emails, directly affecting Outlook search.

Method 1: 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. Scroll down and select Outlook 2019, Microsoft Office [your version], or Microsoft 365.
  4. Now, select Change from the top menu. You can now choose Quick Repair or Online Repair, as highlighted in the image below.
  5. Choose Quick Repair, then Repair, to fix the Outlook indexing issue without using your internet connection.
repair microsoft 365 and office programs options popup

Let the process complete, then restart your system.

Method 2: Use the Outlook Index Repair Menu Option

There is a second Outlook index repair menu option, you just need to know where to find it.

  1. Open Outlook, then select File > Options > Search. Now, select Indexing Options, followed by Advanced.
    microsoft outlook indexing options menu
  2. Select Rebuild, and click OK. This might well take a moment.
    microsoft outlook rebuild index option button

After the rebuild is complete, restart your system.

Also: Double-Check the Indexing Status

There is a quick way to check the Outlook indexing status.

Within Outlook, type "search" into the Tell me toolbar. Now, select Search tools > Indexing status and see how many items are awaiting index. You can still use Outlook search while the remaining items get indexed, but you will encounter some omissions.

microsoft outlook check indexing status menu

3. Check Outlook Index Locations

Next up, if Outlook search still isn't working, double-check that Outlook is on the list of indexed locations.

Open Outlook and head to File > Options > Search > Indexing Options. Select Modify from the Indexing Options panel. Make sure there is a check alongside Microsoft Outlook, then press OK.

Outlook Indexed Locations

Now, restart your system.

4. Fix Outlook Search Using the Registry

It is possible to repair Outlook search using the Windows Registry.

Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog. Then, type regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor. Next, press Ctrl + F to open the search menu, then copy and paste the following registry key: 

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

Once found, select the right-hand panel, then right-click and select New Dword (32-bit). Name the new Dword PreventIndexingOutlook and assign it the value 0.

Press OK, then restart your system.

5. Update Microsoft Office 2021/Microsoft 365

When was the last time your Microsoft 365 version was updated? Your Outlook search issues might resolve by updating Microsoft 365 to the latest version.

Open Outlook. Head to File > Office Account (just Account for other Office programs). Check under Product Information for the Update Options drop-down menu. Select Update Now if available and let the process complete.

microsoft outlook check for updates options

If you do not see any update options at all and there is only an About button, consider the following:

  • Are you running a volume license issued by your workplace or similar?
  • Have you made changes to your system Group Policy?
  • Is your workplace or similar using a Group Policy to stop manual updates?
  • Has someone else installed a pirated version of Microsoft 365 (formerly Microsoft Office) on your system?

You can always manually install a Microsoft Office update via their Office Updates download page.

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

Another way to fix Outlook search 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\
  • Office 365 (2023): C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\office16\

If you haven't set up a POP3 email account, but fetch email using IMAP, you might not find the file.

You also need to know the location of your PST file. Outlook 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and users of newer versions should find their personal folder file at: 

            C:\Users\YOURUSERNAME\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook

If you can only see an OST file at the above location, it's a sign that you're using IMAP rather than POP3 to check your email.

Found everything? Great! Now right-click scanpst.exe and select Run as administrator. Hit Browse, then copy and paste your personal folder file location into the address bar. Select the relevant account, press Open, then Start. This process can take a few minutes but should fix your Outlook search problems.

7. Check the Outlook Indexing Group Policy Setting

This option is a slightly long shot; if something has specifically changed this setting, you have other issues. But it is worth exploring every Outlook search-fix option. Unfortunately, this option is only available to Windows 10 Pro and Windows 11 Pro users, as Home users do not have access to the Windows Local Group Policy Editor panel.

Type gpedit in the Start menu search bar and select the best match.

Now, browse to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Search. Check Default excluded paths and Prevent indexing certain paths for alterations regarding Microsoft Outlook.

If the policy state is set to Not configured, you know this isn't where your Outlook search problems stem from.

Windows Local Group Policy Editor Outlook Search Settings

8. Reinstall Outlook

As a last resort, you can uninstall and 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.

Fix Outlook Search When It Breaks

These eight 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 when Outlook search isn't working.