How to Get Outlook to Return Only Results for a Single Word Search Term?

Question

When searching an Exchange mailbox in Outlook for Windows (desktop install) using a specific term like "piston," which has a unique context, the expectation is that every returned email includes the word "piston" somewhere, including in attachments or URLs.

However, this does not occur. I receive emails on unrelated topics, departments that do not use pistons, risks, new employees, team building exercises (that do not involve pistons), non-piston products the company is considering purchasing.

I can duplicate the problem by searching for any single word. It seems to get worse the more I search for single words.

What steps can be taken to ensure Outlook searches for the term and returns only emails that contain it, without extraneous results?

This issue occurs in both the software installation and the web version. Indexing and profile settings have been verified, and the account in use is an Exchange account.

Answer 1

Hi @Paris, James S

Welcome to our forum!

Yes, Outlook search will not only find relevant phrases but also provide possible suggestions. You can refer to this document to refine your search functionality: How to search in Outlook.

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