Search function fails in OneNote 365

This has been a recent recurring problem with OneNote. Please send it to the Dev team TO GET FIXED, instead of asking users to uninstall, reinstall, update, blah blah blah

I am having the same problem. Once I delete the cache and rebuild it, any existing searches work properly, unfortunately any new changes to the content are not updated properly in the cache. Even if I delete a word, search still finds it as if it still existed in the text.

Actually I called the tech help for Microsoft 365--I have a subscription. The guy came on board, checked a bunch of stuff, and fixed (replaced? cleared?) my cache for the program. That fixed the problem.

I had NOT taken the suggestion of some to change the cache since there are so many warning about doing so if you try, and in any event no one suggested HOW to change it. I'd strongly suggest that those with the issue either get the free help available for a subscription or fork out for someone who knows what they are doing to change it.

It took a couple of hours for all my notes to re-synch, but it was well worth it.

Hi - I managed to change my Microsoft password and was able to access my Outlook account through my phone (which was the goal). However, two-step authentication is now off, because Authenticator repeatedly didn't recognize the codes that were sent. What am I missing? Thanks for your help!

Dear Deborah Jensen,

Welcome to the Microsoft Community.   Based on the information you've shared, I understand that you seem to be having trouble using the search function in OneNote, I understand how you feel, please don't worry and I'll do my best to help you.Firstly, I would like to confirm some details with you:

• What version of OneNote are you currently using? You can click File->Account-> on the right side will have your version information.
• The scenario you mentioned to try to fix it, is that an action in Start->Settings->Apps->Installed Apps or in the Control Panel? I think this will avoid giving you duplicate scenarios. So as not to get in the way, you can start by using the web version of OneNote firstly: www.onenote.com **to carry out your work.If it still doesn't work after you try the fixes, you can try the following options:1. Uninstall your current version of OneNote and reinstall it, or you can roll back the update to another version:Uninstall via Uninstall Support Tool: You can install the uninstaller from the link below, it will take a few minutes to download and install the programme. Once installed, the ‘Uninstall Microsoft Product’ window will open.https://outlookdiagnostics.azureedge.net/sarasetup/SetupProd_OffScrub.exeReinstall: Download and install or reinstall Microsoft 365 or Office 2021 on a PC or Mac - Microsoft SupportMicrosoft 365 update history: Update history for Microsoft 365 Apps (listed by date) - Office release notes | Microsoft Learn2.  (Note: To avoid data loss, please back up the %LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\OneNote directory)
• Exit OneNote and all other Office tools
• Enter the %LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\OneNote\16.0 directory from Explorer.
• Rename/delete the catalogue cache
• Open OneNote again (don't worry if you see that everything is empty! Your notes and subnotes will be repopulated shortly)

If you are using another version of Office and OneNote, try searching for *cache* folders/files in %LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\OneNote (and its subdirectories) and readjust the above solution logic to your installation. You may also refer to the solution mentioned by the user in this thread: OneNote search function not working - Microsoft CommunityWe look forward to your updates, please feel free to contact us and we will give you further assistance. Thank you for your understanding. Best regardsIsabella-MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist