How do I Fix Outlook 2016 Search not Working?

Outlook PST Repair /February 05, 2025

Summary

Microsoft Outlook stores a huge number of emails and if you are not able to search your specific email, then it will be a mess. Facing issues like the search feature is not working in Outlook” can occur due to PST file corruption or several other reasons. In this blog, we will learn about the reasons behind search failure in Outlook and how to fix it. However, we suggest using the automated Goldytools Outlook PST Repair Tool that will help you with PST repair, which is causing issues in Outlook.

Introduction

Microsoft Outlook is a common web email client widely known to help organizations work globally with streamlining communication. Businesses working over Outlook know about the daily flow of mail that stuffs the mailbox heavily if you’re not cleaning it up and backing up data.
There are many instances where a business administrator often wants to find any particular mail from long back. Outlook offers users one search feature that helps them to easily search any mail using mail body, recipient, or subject. But Outlook is also prone to attaining severe errors due to basic dysfunctionalities or overstuffing of mail as well, due to which search features may not work & throw errors.

So, this blog will outline the effective ways to fix Outlook search not working issues by using the prominent methods.

Understanding the main causes for Outlook 2016 Search not Working issue

Analyzing the root causes behind search result failure in Outlook is very crucial because to manage collaboration & projects accessing specific data is necessary. But if you’re not able to find those data due to PST file corruption or Outlook errors can cause unwanted interruptions. Let’s find the possible reasons for Outlook 2016 search failure mentioned below:

  • Folder indexing excluded for folder: If the configuration is not appropriate for the folders in the Window Search Index, then search will show no results.
  • Corruption in Outlook: Outlook applications can get damaged including corruption due to improper shutdowns, virus in the system, antivirus expired or incompatible system updates.
  • Indexing failure: To fix Outlook search not working, you need to fix the indexing at first. If the search index fails then it fails to show results.
  • Oversized mailbox: Outlook mailbox being heavily loaded with mails is one of the common reasons for search feature failure.

Methods to fix Outlook Search not Working

Managing Microsoft Outlook is not a piece of cake as it requires multiple practices to create a healthy environment. Once you have analyzed all the common issues that can cause Outlook search features showing no result error, you have to apply suitable methods to fix them. Find some of them below:

  • Method 1. Verify the Check Windows Search Service:

You need to check whether the Windows Search Service is active or not in your system.

  • Hold the Windows key and press R to open the dialog box.
  • Now, type the Service.msc and click OK.
  • One the Service window, choose and right click on the Window Search Service.
  • Now click on Properties and check the running status of the service.
  • If it’s not started then click on restart and then click on Ok.
  • Method 2. Indexing status:

There are various instances where your Outlook may be missed on the indexing. Initially, you have to check if your Outlook application is indexed or not.

  • Launch your Outlook application and from the top pane, choose Search Tools>Indexing Status.
  • Now, you can see the indexing status and if Outlook is indexing mails then you can wait till its completion.
  • If Outlook is not indeed then you might need to rebuild Indexing.
  • Method 3. Re-create your Search Index:

It will be more beneficial if you create a new index rather than trying to fix an index Outlook item in the old index.

  • Open Outlook application and go to Files>options.
  • Click on Search and then choose Indexing options and click onAdvanced option.
  • Now, click on the Rebuild option and click Ok.
  • The recreating process of your Search Index will start and take some time to complete. Once it is completed then restart your system and verify indexing status.

Conclusion

Accessing Outlook mails is very important to use your valuable data and utilize it in the tasks & operations. The search feature in Outlook is very helpful for finding specific emails, but it can throw issues if the mailbox is oversized and stuffed,
In the above blog, we have discussed all the aspects along with reliable methods to fix Outlook Search not working. But, due to these small issues, your PST file can get severely corrupted, which will risk the entire data. PST repair is an easy practice as there are few manual methods, but they are only effective in small files and minor corruptions. So, we advise you to use the Goldytools Outlook PST Repair Tool, which is a smartly built software that fixes severely corrupted files easily.

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