Microsoft 365
Outlook search not working
Intermediateoutlookm365search
3 views 0 found this helpful Last updated July 23, 2026
Problem
Searching in Outlook returns no or incomplete results.
Symptoms
Search bar returns "No results found" for emails you know exist, or search is very slow.
Solution
Rebuild the Windows search index used by Outlook.
Step-by-step instructions
- 1Confirm you are searching "All Mailboxes" or "All Outlook Items" rather than the current folder only.
- 2Open Control Panel > Indexing Options and check that Outlook is included.
- 3Click Advanced > Rebuild to rebuild the search index (this can take a while to complete).
- 4Restart Outlook once the index finishes rebuilding.
- 5Contact IT if search results are still incomplete after rebuilding.
Was this article helpful?
Related Articles
Microsoft 365
Add a shared mailbox in Outlook (auto-mapping)
I need access to a shared mailbox but it isn't showing up in Outlook.
Intermediateoutlookm365
4 views 0 helpful
Microsoft 365
Add a Kalexius, Odyssey or Lexoo background in Microsoft Teams
I want to use our company-branded background in Microsoft Teams calls and meetings.
Beginnerteamsm365
4 views 0 helpful
Microsoft 365
Teams microphone issue
Other participants cannot hear me in Teams meetings.
Beginnerteamsm365
2 views 0 helpful
Microsoft 365
Outlook password prompt
Outlook keeps asking for a password.
Intermediateoutlookm365
3 views 0 helpful
Still stuck? Request IT Help