Update Microsoft Office
Out-of-date software can cause all sorts of glitches. Updating Outlook may solve the problem of an unresponsive search function.
Check for Available Updates in Outlook 2019, 2016, or 2013
Check for Available Updates in Outlook 2010
Check for Updates in Outlook 2016 for Mac or Outlook for Mac 2011
Troubleshoot Outlook Indexing
If you perform a search and receive a message stating No matches found or Search results may be incomplete because items are still being indexed, troubleshoot the indexing function.
Fix Indexing Errors in Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, or 2010
Configure Indexing Options in Windows 10, 8, or 7
Index Outlook Data Files in Windows 10, 8, or 7
Rebuild the Search Catalog if Indexing Remains Stuck in Windows 10, 8, or 7
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
If you perform a search in Outlook 2016 for Mac or Outlook for Mac 2011 and receive a No Results message, or your search is unsuccessful using Mac OS built-in Spotlight Search, download and run Outlook Search Repair. This Mac Outlook utility checks for duplicate installations and reindexes Outlook files.
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
Repair Outlook 2016, 2013, or 2010 in Windows 8
Repair Outlook 2016, 2013, or 2010 in Windows 7
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.
