indexing issue

Question

facing issue indexing and unable to seach inbox in office 365 or office 2024 please help the same as soon as possible

Answer 1

Hi Rustom Patell

Thanks for your post. From what you described, I understand that you're having a search/indexing problem in new Outlook for Windows.

Have you already tried the steps in the Q&A Assist reply? If yes, what happened afterward? And could you please also confirm: When you search, do you get no results at all, or only partial/ recent-only results?

In addition, please try these steps:

1, Review the Search scope in new Outlook

Go to Settings > General > Search and check the search scope. Microsoft notes that if search returns no or unexpected results, adjusting the default scope (for example, using Current Folder) can improve results.

2, If you are trying to find older mail, increase the offline sync window

Go to Settings > General > Offline and increase Days of email to save.

3, If search is returning too many results, use filters

Microsoft also notes that when New Outlook finds too many matches, older items may not be shown, so using filters can help narrow the results.

4, If you expect results from Deleted Items, make sure that folder is included

In Settings > General > Search, make sure Include deleted items is enabled.

You can see this guide: Search for email in Outlook for Windows - Microsoft Support

Looking forward to your reply so I can guide you further. Thank you for your time and understanding.

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Answer 2

Follow these steps to fix Outlook search and indexing issues in Office 365 / Outlook 2024 on Windows.

1. Verify Windows Search service is running
   1. Close Outlook.
   2. Press Windows logo key + R, type services.msc, select OK.
   3. In Services, find Windows Search.
   4. Right-click Windows Search > Properties.
   5. Ensure Service status is Running. If not, select Start.
   6. Ensure Startup type is Automatic or Automatic (Delayed Start) (not Disabled).
   7. Select OK, then reopen Outlook and test search.
2. Ensure Outlook data is included in indexing
   1. Close Outlook.
   2. Open Control Panel > Indexing Options.
   3. In Indexing Options, confirm Microsoft Outlook appears under Included Locations.
   4. If not listed, select Modify, check Microsoft Outlook, then OK > Close.
3. Configure indexing options for Outlook message files (classic Outlook)
   1. Close Outlook.
   2. In Indexing Options, select Advanced.
   3. Go to the File Types tab.
   4. Scroll to msg extension and select it.
   5. Ensure Index Properties and File Contents is selected.
   6. Confirm Filter Description shows Office Outlook MSG IFilter.
   7. Select OK > Close.
4. Rebuild the search catalog
   1. Close Outlook.
   2. Open Control Panel > Indexing Options.
   3. Select Advanced.
   4. In Advanced Options, select Rebuild.
   5. Select OK > Close.
   6. Allow time for Windows to re-index; during this period search results may be incomplete.
5. Check Outlook search options and scope (classic Outlook)
   1. Open Outlook.
   2. Go to File > Options > Search.
   3. Under Sources, select Indexing Options and verify Microsoft Outlook is included.
   4. In the Outlook search box, check the Current Mailbox / All Mailboxes / Current Folder scope and choose the appropriate one for the search.
6. For New Outlook for Windows
   1. Open New Outlook.
   2. Go to Settings > General > Search.
   3. Adjust Search scope (for example, set to Current Folder or All Folders as needed).
   4. When searching, use filters to narrow results so older items are shown if there are many matches.

If indexing still does not complete or search remains unavailable after these steps, contact Microsoft Support for assistance with Windows Desktop Search and Outlook.

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References:

• Why is desktop search service unavailable
• Troubleshooting Outlook search issues
• Fix search issues by rebuilding your Instant Search catalog
• Outlook Search not showing recent emails after Windows update KB5008212