Outlook 2016 search not working...

Hi Gromack,

Have you already tried checking if Outlook items are indexed ?
If the index is still busy building you won't see search results immediately , here's an external article on troubleshooting the issue you're encountering:
How To Fix Outlook 2016 Search Problems

Hi,

Same query already addressed, plz find the solution over here: https://www.experts-exchange.com/questions/29109330/Outlook-2016-search-not-working.html

Thanks

Triaging Question: Test via OWA?
I would login to Outlook Web Access and see if searching works. If it doesn't work in the web application, then it has nothing to do with the Outlook client ...

Cached Exchange Mode enabled?

• If  you are running in Cached Exchange mode, the initial search will only show what is in your "local cache".
• If you are running using a PST, see other Expert's answers above for troubleshooting.
• If you are running directly connected, the initial search should show everything.

Just a few thoughts to consider ...

Mr Mystikal - how long should the indexing take?

Edwin Hoffer - yeah, I saw that, but didn't want to reinstall Windows 10 on a Win 7 machine!

 N8iveIT - yes, it works when logged in to webmail page.

Alex Lim - I know scanpst can take a while, what about rebuilding index? Will that interrupt user if done during the day, or does it happen in the background?

Hi gromack,

Rebuilding index will not affect user, if you are still concern about it then you can run it after working hour. Keep in mind that you will need to extend the sleep or hibernate time of your PC because rebuilding index will stop once PC go into energy saving or sleep mode.

How long it take, is depend on how big your mailbox and the content inside.

Hope this clarify.

Regards,
alex

Hi Gromack,

The index repair is perhaps the least detrimental in terms of user impact , as the index rebuilds using idle resources.

That being said , if you've already checked the indexing options and determined that Outlook was already indexed and no further indexing operations are taking place , you can also try a new Outlook profile. ( Control panel -> mail ).

Indexing can take days depending on the size of the mailbox, clutter on the disk , spare CPU and disk resources and how long the machine is left operational , for larger mailboxes it's probably a good idea to let it run overnight if at all possible , or just inform the user that it can take time to reflect based on the above criteria.

However a new profile is technically a new OST , which is time consuming and if the user has a large mailbox will just compound their downtime in terms of caching the mails over again.

You can choose what's best for your situation from there.

Just to add some latest finding: Microsoft support article publish on Sep 18, 2018: No search results or a crash while searching in Outlook 2016

Outdated Outlook add-in is installed that is incompatible with Outlook 2016 may caused search no result.

Solution:
1. Open any Office application, such as Outlook or Word.
2. Click File > Office Account or Account.
3. View the version that is listed under Office Updates. If the version is not at 16.0.6868.2060 or a later version, click Update Options, and then click Update Now.

Workaround:

Method 1: Make sure that the latest version of all Outlook add-ins are installed

Method 2: Disable the add-in manually
1. Open Outlook.
2. On the File tab, click Options, and then click Add-ins.
3. In the Manage list select COM Add-ins, and then click Go.
4. Clear the check for the add-in, and then click OK.
5. Exit Outlook, and then start it again.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-ca/help/3141013/no-search-results-or-a-crash-while-searching-in-outlook-2016

Rebuilding the index did the trick, Thanks!

Hi,

is anyone having the same issue with search on version 180. build 9126.2282?
if you deselect MS Outlook from the indexing option it works (runs search on server)
i have rebuilt the index and also tried a new location for the index file
have run repairs on both PST and office app