If the Outlook search function isn’t working, there may be several reasons why.
SelectUpdate Optionsunder Product Information.
SelectEnable Updatesif the option is available.
Check for available updates in Outlook 2010.
Start Outlook and selectFile.
SelectHelpin the left pane.
SelectCheck for Updates.
ChooseInstall UpdatesorCheck for Updates.
Check for Updates in Outlook 2016 for Mac or Outlook for Mac 2011.
SelectCheck for Updates.
SelectAutomatically Download and Installunder “How would you like updates to be installed?”
SelectCheck for Updates.
Fix Indexing Errors in Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, or 2010.
Click inside theSearch boxto activate the Search Tools tab.
Select theSearch Toolsdrop-down in the Options group and selectIndexing Status.
You should see a message stating,Outlook has finished indexing all of your items.
0 items remaining to be indexed.
If there are items to be indexed remaining, wait five minutes and take another crack.
If the problem persists, move on to the next troubleshooting technique.
Configure Indexing Options in Windows 10, 8, or 7.
TypeIndexing Optionsin the Start Search box or on theStartscreen.
SelectAdvancedin theIndexing Optionsdialog box.
Go to theFile Typestab.
Scroll down in theExtensioncolumn tomsg.
Make sureIndex PropertiesandFile Contentsis enabled.
Index Outlook Data Files in Windows 10, 8, or 7.
TypeIndexing Optionsin theStart Searchbox or on theStartscreen.
Verify thatMicrosoft Outlookappears in theIncluded Locationscolumn of theIndexing Optionsdialog box.
SelectModifyif Microsoft Outlook is not listed.
pick the checkbox next toMicrosoft Outlookto select it.
Rebuild the Search Catalog if Indexing Remains Stuck in Windows 10, 8, or 7.
TypeIndexing Optionsin the Start Search box or on the Start screen.
SelectModifyin theIndexing Optionsdialog box.
wipe the checkbox next to Outlook and selectOK.
SelectAdvancedto fire up the Advanced Options dialog box.
How to Repair Outlook.
Built-in repair utilities can often fix the problem of an unresponsive Outlook search function.
Repair Outlook 2016 for Mac or Outlook for Mac 2011.
This Mac Outlook utility checks for duplicate installations and reindexes Outlook files.
Download and open theOutlook Search Repair Utility.
Remove any duplicate Outlook installations, if prompted.
reset your system at the prompt.
opt for Reindex button.
Allow the utility to complete.
This can take an hour or longer.
Close Outlook Search Repair when a message stating, Reindexing has completed!
How to Repair Other Versions of Outlook.
The built-in Office repair utility can often solve the problem of an unresponsive search function.
Repair Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, or 2010 in Windows 10.
Close all Microsoft Office applications.
TypeApps & Featuresinto the Windows search box.
SelectApps & Features.
Find and click onMicrosoft Officein the list of installed apps and features.
SelectQuick RepairorOnline Repairand then select theRepairbutton.
Restart Outlook when the repair process is complete.
Repair Outlook 2016, 2013, or 2010 in Windows 8.
Close all Microsoft Office applications.
Make sureCategoryis selected in theView Bylist.
SelectUninstall a ProgramunderPrograms.
Right-clickMicrosoft Officeand chooseChange.
SelectYesif a user account control window appears.
Restart Outlook when the repair process is complete.
Repair Outlook 2016, 2013, or 2010 in Windows 7.
Close all Microsoft Office applications.
Make sureCategoryis selected in theView Bylist.
SelectUninstall a ProgramunderPrograms.
SelectMicrosoft Officefrom your list of programs.
SelectYesif a user account control window appears.
Restart Outlook when the repair process is complete.
Rebuild the Office Database: Mac Only.
Use this utility to rebuild a corrupted database and possibly solve Outlook search not working on Mac.
These steps apply only to Outlook 2016 for Mac or Outlook for Mac 2011.
Quit all Microsoft Office applications.
Hold down theOptionkey and then click theOutlookicon in the Dock to bring up the Microsoft Database Utility.
snag the identity of the database you want to rebuild.
Restart Outlook when the process is complete.
If you continue to experience issues with the Outlook search function not working, consider uninstalling andreinstalling Microsoft Office.
Causes of Outlook Search Not Working
Update Microsoft Office.
Out-of-date software can cause all sorts of glitches.
Updating Outlook may solve the problem of an unresponsive search function.
FAQ
Open Outlook Options and go to the Main Tab, then selectSearch>Add.
It’s not currently possible to relocate the search bar in Outlook.
