Instant Search Box missing in Outlook – Detailed Guide

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Probably, you are not the only one who found that the Outlook Search Bar was missing. Some users who installed the recent Windows 10 feature update are also complaining the same.

Outlook Search Bar Missing

The Outlook Search function displays items or messages found in Calendar, Contacts, and Mail. To restore the Instant Search Box if it’s missing from your Outlook app, follow these instructions.

Related Article: How to find, insert and re-use content using Tap in Outlook

  • Repair Office
  • Add Search via Outlook Options window
  • Run Outlook in Safe Mode
  • Disable Outlook Add-ins
  • Update Office Outlook

A simple restart does the trick! So, restart the Outlook app and see if it fixes the issue

Add Search via Outlook Options Window

This is a handy trick via which you can enable the Search bar in Outlook.

To begin, choose the File menu and scroll down to Options.

When the Outlook Options window opens, go to the Customize Ribbon option.

Here, you’ll see a list of commands, tabs, and ribbons listed in dialog boxes.

Tools Tabs go in the Choose Commands drop-down menu. Make sure the Main tabs are checked under Customize the Classic Ribbon.

Find Search on the left side, click it, and hit the Add button.

Finally, click OK to save the customization.

Once you have completed the steps above, return to the home page. The Search tab should now be visible on the ribbon. Click on it to see all kinds of search options, as seen earlier.

Check Outlook for updates

Check to see if there is an updated version of the Outlook app available. Running an older version of the program can often cause this issue.

In recent versions of Microsoft Outlook, the Search Bar has been moved to appear on the top.

Where is the Instant Search box in Outlook?

To find the Instant Search box in Outlook, click on the Menus tab and then select Tools from the drop-down menu. At the top of the submenu, you will see the Instant Search option.

How do I get my search bar back in Outlook?

To search for something in Outlook, press CTRL+E or F3. This shortcut key will open the search ribbon (if needed) and put an active cursor in the search bar. You can use this shortcut key anywhere in Outlook, even when the search bar is missing.

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