Search results are not showing all my documents

Question

Hello. I'm using MS for Mac. My search results do not reveal all documents. Neither finder, nor spotlight. Either searching with a single word, or by searching for all .xslx for example. I've googled solutions and nothing is resolving this issue. In addition I get all sorts of .dat files and nonsense strings. Please advise

Answer 1

If your search results in Microsoft for Mac are not displaying all documents, there could be several reasons for this issue. Here are some potential solutions to consider:

1. Rebuild Spotlight Index: Sometimes, the Spotlight index may not be up to date, which can cause issues with search results. You can try rebuilding the Spotlight index by going to System Preferences > Spotlight > Privacy tab, then add your hard drive to the list and remove it to force a reindex.
2. Check File Permissions: Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to access the files you are searching for. If permissions are restricted, the files may not appear in search results.
3. Use Specific Search Queries: When searching, use specific keywords or file types (like .xlsx) to narrow down results. Ensure that you are using the correct file extension and format in your search queries.
4. Check for Hidden Files: Sometimes, files can be hidden from search results. You can check if hidden files are being displayed by using the shortcut Command + Shift + . in Finder.
5. Update Office and macOS: Ensure that both your Microsoft Office applications and macOS are up to date, as updates can resolve bugs and improve functionality.

If you continue to experience issues, consider reaching out to Microsoft Support for further assistance.

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References:

• Search results missing in SharePoint Online
• SharePoint Online doesn't return search results