Microsoft 365 personal search in contacts

Anesu,

Thank you for the link suggesting I use the help function "right within Outlook for Mac", but I can only laugh ruefully. The Mac version of Microsoft 365 does not have a help button, or a ribbon, or a menu, or any sort of controls. The Microsoft 365 install seems to be a candy-coated child's version of Outlook. See photo below. This is what I see in Contacts. The Search field in the blue header only searches what is shown in the "Overview" portion of the contact detail.

In contrast, my local install of Outlook 2016 (on my PC) has a ribbon at the top of the screen with hundreds of controls and commands. When I open a contact, I see all of the contact fields, not a dumbed down tabbed view as shown below. And when I search contacts, Outlook searches ALL of the content in ALL of the fields. This is what I need on the Mac. Is this possible on a Mac? Any suggestions?

Thanks Again. Believe me, I know this seems idiotic.

Anseu,

Thank you, but no, I am completely lost and doubly handicapped because this is my first Mac computer (a forced purchase to gain access to mac-only software) and my first try at SAAS Outlook.

I am have been using Outlook 2016 as a local install on a PC. I have a nice ribbon at the top and full access to all controls. Everything works wonderfully. I signed up for Microsoft 365, downloaded a .pkg file, and installed. I now have familiar Outlook, Excel, etc. icons on the Mac launchpad. But when I launch Outlook, I have an impoverished view. There is no Ribbon, no controls, no "people page." I seem to have my data, but no control over it. The search field at the very top of the window seems to search only what is in the "Overview" portion of the contact detail. Clearly there must be a better Outlook install for the Mac. I would hate to give up Outlook after decades of happy use.

Dear RAD1952,

Hello, I just wanted to quickly follow up and check if there is any update from your end on this or if you may need further assistance.

We look forward to your response. Thanks for your cooperation.

Sincerely,

Anesu | Microsoft Community Moderator

Dear RAD1952,

Thanks for posting in Microsoft Community.

I understand that you have an issue on the search field in Microsoft 365 and it does not search within the contacts Notes field. Before moving forward, we need more detailed information about the situation you are experiencing.

Kindly share with us the information below:

1. You mentioned an option to buy a local install of outlook. I kindly wanted to confirm are you experiencing this issue on OWA (Outlook on web) or Outlook App (Microsoft 365 app).

However please kindly note, If you want to search the contacts which have been added in Outlook, you may use the search tool in Outlook. Here are the steps:

1. Go to people page in Outlook
2. Select the contact folder
3. Click the search box on the top right corner of Outlook window> type <information>

Note: this search setting can only be used to find the contacts which have been added to the contact folder.

If the contacts haven’t been added to Outlook and you want to search the contacts with the contact information such as country, city, zip, notes and street address, it is not feasible.

About this feature, you may submit feedback via the link below, as many features directly come from your feedback.

https://outlook.uservoice.com/forums/293343-outlook-for-mac

We look forward to your response. Thanks for your cooperation.

Sincerely,

Anesu | Microsoft Community Moderator

Regarding "the search field in 365 does not search within the contacts Notes field.", are you using Outlook Web app or Outlook 365 for Mac desktop client? Can you share the detailed steps screenshot which you have tried?

About "must I buy a local install of Outlook to do so", if you purchased Microsoft 365 Personal for a Mac that included Outlook 365 for Mac desktop client. You can download and install it. Download and install or reinstall Microsoft 365 or Office 2021 on a PC or Mac