Outlook search doesn't work - what to do?

After starting Microsoft Outlook, the search often does not work. In order to quickly find what you are looking for in all the emails, contacts and calendars, here are a few tips for you.

Limit search to a folder

Often the search function will only strike if you search all data. Therefore, it helps, for example, if you already preselect one of your e-mail accounts or have only a certain folder (eg "sent items") browsed. If this does not work, try restarting the program.

Outlook restart

If you want to restart Outlook, make sure that you have really closed the program. Sometimes the Outlook icon is hidden in the task bar and remains open in the background. Therefore, search the bar again (incl. The "hidden" icons) and check whether Outlook is really closed.

End task or process

If, despite the restart, you still cannot use the search, you should close the "Outlook" task or process:

1. To do this, hold down Ctrl + Alt + Del. For Windows 7 and Windows Vista you have to select the "Start Task Manager" option.
2. Now look for Outlook under the "Applications" tab and end the task.
3. Alternatively, you can end the "OUTLOOK.EXE" process in the "Processes" tab in the Task Manager.

Reindex Outlook

If your search in Outlook fails, it may also be because not all of the data has been collected. To solve this problem, do the following:

1. Open the "Options" tab under "File".
2. Select “Browse” on the left.
3. Click on "Indexing Options ...".
4. "Microsoft Outlook" should be included here. If this is not the case for you, click on "Change".
5. Now you can tick "Microsoft Outlook" in the new window.
6. Confirm with OK".
7. To create the index again, click on "Advanced" and select "Create new" in the new window.
8. Complete the process by clicking "OK". Now a new index is created (this may take some time).

If, despite all efforts, you still have problems with the search function, you can repair Outlook under "Control Panel - Programs - Uninstall Programs". To do this, you must select the "Change" entry instead of "Uninstall".