No search results with classic outlook

For classic Outlook, follow these steps in order on the primary laptop:

1. Run the Windows Search troubleshooter.
   • Windows 11: Start > Settings > Privacy & Security > Searching Windows > Indexer troubleshooter.
   • Windows 10: Start > Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Search and Indexing > Run the troubleshooter.
2. Check whether Outlook indexing is complete.
   • Open classic Outlook.
   • Select the Search box.
   • Go to Search Tools > Indexing Status.
   • If items are still being indexed, wait five minutes and check again. If the number does not decrease, continue.
3. Make sure all Outlook data files are selected for search.
   • In classic Outlook, select the Search box.
   • Go to Search Tools > Locations to Search.
   • Confirm all listed data files/stores are selected.
4. Verify the Windows Search service is running.
   • Open the Windows search box, type services.msc, and press Enter.
   • Double-click Windows Search.
   • Set Startup type to Automatic (Delayed Start).
   • If Service status is not Running, select Start.
5. Confirm Outlook is included in Windows indexing.
   • Exit Outlook.
   • Open Indexing Options in Control Panel.
   • Make sure Microsoft Outlook appears in Included Locations.
   • If not, select Modify and enable Microsoft Outlook.
6. Check the MSG file type filter.
   • In Indexing Options, select Advanced > File Types.
   • Select msg.
   • Make sure Index Properties and File Contents is enabled.
   • Confirm Filter Description shows Office Outlook MSG IFilter.
   • If that filter is missing, Microsoft Support should be contacted.
7. Rebuild the search catalog.
   • Exit Outlook.
   • Open Indexing Options > Advanced.
   • Select Rebuild.
   • Let indexing finish before testing again.
8. Test with a new Outlook profile.
   • In Outlook, go to File > Account Settings > Manage Profiles.
   • Select Show Profiles > Add.
   • Create the profile, complete account setup, then choose Prompt for a profile to be used.
   • Restart Outlook, choose the new profile, and test search.
   • If search works there, the old profile is likely the problem.
9. If search is missing older mail rather than all mail, use filters to narrow the search.
10. Repair Office.

• In Windows 10/11, right-click Start > Installed apps or Apps and Features.
• Select the Microsoft Office product > Modify.
• For Click-to-Run, use Online Repair > Repair.
• For MSI-based installs, use Repair > Continue.

11. If repair does not fix it, uninstall and reinstall Office using the Microsoft uninstall troubleshooter, then reinstall Office.

Since search still works on the backup laptop, the issue is likely specific to Windows Search, indexing, the Outlook profile, or the Office installation on the primary laptop.

• Classic Outlook
• Troubleshooting Outlook search issues | Microsoft Support