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NathanHuggins1420's avatar
Aug 06, 2022

Outlook Client Search not working

Hi There,

 

I am having an issue with my outlook client. When I search for an email/contact, I receive a 'we didn't find anything' result (when this shouldn't be the case) - this is happening on the outlook app & web. 

 

In safe mode search works. I have tried de-activating all my add-ons to see whether these have caused the issue; however, the same challenge arises. I have tried re-indexing & even re-imaged my machine.

 

When searching our intranet, I am also receiving no results when I would typically get a list of internal resources for the search term. 

 

If anyone could suggest a fix or something else to try I would appreciate it.

 

Nathan

 

 

 

  • clyde1415's avatar
    clyde1415
    Copper Contributor
    This workaround involves disabling Windows Desktop Search, forcing Outlook to use the built-in search. Here's how, but keep in mind that these steps involve tweaking the registry, which is always a risky task.

    Open the registry editor in Windows 11 as as administrator
    Find this subkey in the registry and then select it: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows
    Select Edit > New > Key and name the new key Windows Search
    Select the new Windows Search key.
    Select Edit > New > DWORD Value.
    Type PreventIndexingOutlook for the name of the DWORD, and then press Enter
    Right-click PreventIndexingOutlook, and then select Modify...
    In the Value data box, type 1 to enable the registry entry, and then select OK
    Exit Registry Editor, and then restart Outlook
    • NathanHuggins1420's avatar
      NathanHuggins1420
      Icon for Microsoft rankMicrosoft

      clyde1415 many thanks for your response & this proposed workaround. Over the weekend Outlook appears to have resolved this issue; however, if the problem persists I will try your approach. Thanks again for your time.

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