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How to Fix “Something Went Wrong, Search Couldn’t Be Completed” Error in Outlook on Windows 11

If you are seeing the error message “Something went wrong, search couldn’t be completed” in Outlook on Windows 11, it can be frustrating. This issue usually happens when Outlook’s search feature cannot work properly. Fortunately, there are several simple ways to fix it.

In this article, we will guide you through easy and detailed steps to resolve the search error. No advanced technical knowledge is needed. Just follow the instructions carefully.

These solutions will help restore Outlook’s search function so you can find your emails quickly again. Let’s get started.

Before diving into the fixes, it’s good to understand that Outlook search depends on Windows Search indexing. Problems with indexing or Outlook’s data files often cause search errors.

Quick Note: What to Check Before Starting

  • Make sure Windows Search service is running: Outlook search relies on this service to work properly.
  • Check for Windows and Office updates: Often, bugs causing search errors are fixed in updates.
  • Restart your computer: Sometimes a simple reboot solves temporary glitches.
  • Confirm your Outlook profile is working: Corrupted profiles can cause search issues.

Step 1: Restart Windows Search Service

The Windows Search service helps Outlook find emails quickly. If this service is stopped or not working, search will fail.

  1. Press Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type services.msc and press Enter. This opens the Services window.
  3. Scroll down and find Windows Search in the list.
  4. Right-click Windows Search and select Restart. If it is not running, select Start.
  5. Wait a moment and then try searching in Outlook again.

Restarting this service ensures the search indexer works properly.

Step 2: Rebuild the Outlook Search Index

Sometimes, the search index that Outlook uses becomes corrupted. Rebuilding the index forces Windows to recreate it from scratch.

  1. Open the Control Panel (you can search for it in the Start menu).
  2. Click on Indexing Options. If you don’t see it, switch the Control Panel view to Small icons or Large icons.
  3. In the Indexing Options window, click the Advanced button at the bottom.
  4. In the Advanced Options window, go to the Index Settings tab.
  5. Click the Rebuild button under Troubleshooting.
  6. A warning will appear saying rebuilding might take time. Click OK to confirm.
  7. Wait for the index to rebuild. You can monitor progress in the Indexing Options window.
  8. Once finished, open Outlook and try searching again.

Rebuilding the index solves many search-related problems by refreshing the data Outlook uses.

Step 3: Repair Outlook Data Files

Outlook stores your emails and other data in files called PST or OST files. If these files are corrupted, search might fail.

To fix this, use the built-in Inbox Repair Tool (ScanPST.exe):

  1. Close Outlook completely.
  2. Open File Explorer and navigate to the Outlook data file location. Usually: C:Program Files (x86)Microsoft OfficerootOffice16 (this path may vary depending on your Office version).
  3. Look for a file named SCANPST.EXE and double-click it to open.
  4. Click Browse and select your Outlook data file (.pst or .ost). If you don’t know the file location, check Outlook settings under File > Account Settings > Data Files.
  5. Click Start to scan the file.
  6. If errors are found, choose to Repair them.
  7. After repair, open Outlook and test the search again.

This tool fixes corruption that could block search from working properly.

Step 4: Reset Outlook Search Catalog Using PowerShell

If the above steps don’t fix the issue, resetting the Outlook search catalog manually can help. This step clears and resets search data.

  1. Press Windows + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin).
  2. Type the following command and press Enter:
Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.Windows.Search | Reset-AppxPackage

This command resets the Windows Search app, which Outlook uses.

After running the command, restart your computer and test Outlook search again.

Alternative Advanced Options

  • Create a new Outlook profile: Sometimes profiles get corrupted. Go to Control Panel > Mail > Show Profiles and add a new profile to test.
  • Run Office repair: In Settings > Apps > Microsoft Office, select Modify and choose Quick Repair or Online Repair to fix Office installation issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does Outlook search show “Something went wrong”?

This usually happens because of problems with Windows Search service, corrupted index, or damaged Outlook data files.

Will rebuilding the index delete my emails?

No, rebuilding the search index only refreshes your email search data. Your emails remain safe.

How long does it take to rebuild the search index?

It depends on the number of emails and files. It can take from a few minutes to several hours.

Can I use Outlook search without Windows Search service?

No, Outlook depends on Windows Search service to perform fast and accurate searches.

What if repair tools don’t fix the problem?

If repair tools don’t solve the issue, creating a new Outlook profile or reinstalling Office may help.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and Outlook search still does not work, consider these final options:

  • Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft support website for personalized help.
  • Reinstall Microsoft Office: Uninstall and reinstall Office to fix deep software issues.
  • Check for system file corruption: Run sfc /scannow in Command Prompt as administrator to fix Windows system files.

These options are more advanced but can resolve stubborn problems.

Conclusion

The “Something went wrong, search couldn’t be completed” error in Outlook on Windows 11 is common but fixable. Start by restarting Windows Search service and rebuilding the search index. Then, repair Outlook data files and consider resetting the Windows Search app if needed.

Following these steps carefully will restore your Outlook search functionality. If all else fails, creating a new profile or contacting Microsoft support can help you get back to working smoothly.

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