Searching across whole Outlook directories not working like before

Salka, Milan 116 Reputation points
2026-09-08T06:55:45.08+00:00

Hello,

Used O365 version 2608 (build 20326.20132)

Prerequisites

Created (pst files in File/Accounts settings/Data files/).

Emails sorted in structures to created pst. Working.

Previous behaviour (OK, several updates back)

  • Search string entered in main search field. Enter (predefined search in: actual email box). Found messages in current address directory. (OK, working)
  • Search string entered in main search field and (search in: all email boxes) selected from dropdown list. Found messages in current address directory or all pst. (OK, working)

Current behaviour (partially OK, happened several updates back till now)

  • Search string entered in main search field. Enter (predefined search in: actual email box). Found messages in current address directory. (OK, working)
  • Entered search string in main search field and selected (search in: all email boxes) from dropdown list. Found messages only in current directory but not found in pst files. (X, not working like expected)

Any suggestion or recommendation how to use it like before?

Outlook | Windows | Classic Outlook for Windows | For business
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  1. Dora-T 635 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-08T07:51:12.0233333+00:00

    Hi @Salka, Milan

    I tested the same scenario on my side using Classic Outlook, Version 2608 (Build 20326.20132), but the issue did not occur. Emails in the PST were found when All Mailboxes was selected. 

    In the meantime, you can try the following steps to see if they help resolve the issue: 

    1.Start Outlook in Safe Mode and test the search again to rule out any interference from Outlook add-ins.  

    Reference: Open Outlook in safe mode - Microsoft Support 

    2.Check the Outlook Search indexing settings.  

    PST files stored in the default Outlook location are normally included in Windows Search indexing. If your PST files are stored in a different folder, go to Control Panel > Indexing Options > Modify and make sure that folder is included in the indexed locations. 

    3.Rebuild the search index 

    Go to Control Panel > Indexing Options > Advanced > Rebuild, then allow indexing to complete before testing the search again. 

    Reference: Fix search issues by rebuilding your Instant Search catalog | Microsoft Support 

    4.Repair Microsoft 365 Apps 

    If the issue persists, try performing an Online Repair of Microsoft 365 Apps from Control Panel. 

    Reference: Repair an Office application | Microsoft Support 

    Please let me know how it goes after trying these steps. 

    Was this answer helpful?

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