Search performance will be impacted because a group policy has turned off the Windows Search service

Copper Contributor

When I search something, it takes a super long time with below comment.

"Search performance will be impacted because a group policy has turned off the Windows Search service"

 

This comment did not happen in the past, but at some time, it started to be happen and I think it's due to Windows update automatically.

 

What should I do to not see this comment and speed up search time?

 

1 Reply

@Dasol_Julia 

If you're seeing the message "Search performance will be impacted because a group policy has turned off the Windows Search service" in Outlook, it means that the Windows Search service, which is responsible for indexing and improving search performance, has been disabled through a group policy on your computer. This can significantly affect the speed and effectiveness of search in Outlook.

To resolve this issue and improve search performance, you have a few options:

  1. Enable Windows Search service: The ideal solution is to enable the Windows Search service on your computer. However, this may require administrative privileges or assistance from your IT department if your computer is part of a managed network. Here's how you can try enabling it:
    • Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
    • Type "services.msc" and press Enter to open the Services window.
    • Scroll down and locate "Windows Search" in the list of services.
    • Right-click on "Windows Search" and select "Properties."
    • In the Properties window, set the "Startup type" to "Automatic."
    • Click "Apply" and then "OK."
    • Restart your computer and check if the search performance has improved in Outlook.
  2. Use alternative search methods: If you're unable to enable the Windows Search service, you can still search effectively in Outlook using alternative methods:
    • Narrow down search criteria: Try to be more specific with your search terms to reduce the number of items that need to be searched.
    • Use advanced search filters: Utilize Outlook's advanced search options, such as specifying the search within a specific folder or searching for specific categories, subjects, or senders.
    • Sort and organize emails: Keep your mailbox well-organized by creating folders and using appropriate tags, so you can easily locate emails without relying heavily on search.
    • Search within Outlook folders: Instead of using the global search feature, try searching within individual folders in Outlook, as it may yield faster results.

It's worth noting that if the group policy that disabled the Windows Search service was enforced by your organization's IT department, it's important to consult with them before making any changes to ensure compliance with your company's policies and guidelines.

If the issue persists or if you need further assistance, I recommend reaching out to your IT support team or system administrator for specific guidance tailored to your organization's environment.