At times you may find that your Outlook Search is grayed out, not working, or disabled. In some cases, Outlook may even give out error messages like – Something went wrong and your search couldn’t be completed, or Search results may be incomplete because items are still being indexed.
Many people who use computers and those in business often face similar problems. While the solutions to these problems may be easy to find, not everyone knows how to fix them.
Outlook Search grayed out
If the Advanced Search function in Microsoft Outlook on Windows PC is not working or grayed out, you can fix the problem via Outlook Options, Registry, or Group Policy. Let us dig in to find out how to fix this issue. If the Advanced Search function in Microsoft Outlook on your Windows PC is not working or grayed out, you can fix the problem by visiting Outlook Options, Registry, or Group Policy. Let us investigate each of these methods to find out how to fix the Advanced Search function in Outlook on your Windows PC.
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Fix Outlook Search not working via Outlook Options
The registry is a good place to look when you’re having problems with a particular piece of software. But it shouldn’t be your first stop.
The first step here is to navigate to “Outlook Options” via the program itself; hit the “Search” tab situated in the left pane. After that, click on “Indexing Options,” then select “Microsoft Outlook.” To move forward, tap the “Modify” button below, then select “Microsoft Outlook” again by ticking the box beside it.
Click OK, and that should be the end of your problems.
Fix Advanced Outlook Search grayed out the problem via Registry
If that doesn’t work, open Registry Editor and navigate to the following key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Windows Search
Here in the right-side pane, create a new DWORD (32-bit), name it Prevent Indexing Outlook and give it a value 0.
Click the OK button and see if it has resolved the issue.
Check Group Policy Setting
While you’re at it, you should also have a look at the Group Policy settings and make a slight change if needed.
Run gpedit.msc to open the Local Group Policy Editor and navigate to the following setting:
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Search
On the right side, you will see the option to prevent indexing Microsoft Office Outlook. Ensure that it is set to Not Configured or Disabled.
It’s really that simple. Everything should be running smoothly now with few or no problems. Just make sure you follow the instructions correctly.
Hello, My name is Shari & I am a writer for the ‘Outlook AppIns’ blog. I’m a CSIT graduate & I’ve been working in the IT industry for 3 years.