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herylupi's avatar
herylupi
Copper Contributor
Nov 25, 2025

Microsoft Outlook (classic) search suddenly not working

Hi, many users in my company experienced same issue today, when trying to search anything/any word but get no results and same symptom (We're having trouble fetching results from the server). The application version is 16.0.19328.20244

I tried switching to 3 different internet providers still not fix
Repair outlook still not fix
Update office application still not fix

The problem is we found 4 users get this issue, so I think it is not indexing issue. Please share if anyone have a resolution or experience this currently. Thank you.

 

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1 Reply

  • Surya_Narayana's avatar
    Surya_Narayana
    MCT
    Nov 28, 2025

    hi herylupi​ Pl check below workarounds options one after one.

    1. Disable Server-Assisted Search (temporary workaround)
      • File → Options → Search
      • Uncheck “Improve search speed by limiting the number of results shown”
      • Restart Outlook
    2. Try web / New Outlook
      • Use Outlook Web (OWA) or New Outlook – search usually works there
    3. Check M365 Service Health
      • Look for issues under:
        • Exchange Online
        • Microsoft 365 Search
    4. Rebuild Index (if needed)
      • Control Panel → Indexing Options → Advanced → Rebuild
    5. Switch Outlook to use Windows Index (Registry)

    HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Outlook\Search

    DWORD: DisableServerAssistedSearch = 1

     

     

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