How to Fix Outlook Freezing Issues During Search: 5 Effective Solutions

If Outlook is freezing while searching, it can severely hinder your productivity. However, don’t worry—I have some effective solutions that will get you back on track quickly.

Why is Outlook unresponsive when searching?

This problem can arise due to various factors, including incompatible installed add-ins, an outdated search index, or a corrupted Outlook profile.

What can I do if Outlook is freezing when searching?

Before we proceed, ensure both Windows and Outlook are fully updated.

1. Start Outlook in Safe Mode

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type Outlook.exe /safe and press Enter .
3. If Outlook operates correctly in Safe Mode, go to File, select Options, and click Add-ins.
4. At the bottom where it says Manage, choose COM Add-ins and hit Go.
5. Uncheck all the add-ins and click OK. Then, restart Outlook normally.

Running Outlook in Safe Mode disables all add-ins, which can help you determine if they are the root of the problem. Disabling faulty add-ins can prevent further crashes.

2. Repair Outlook Data Files (PST/OST)

1. Ensure Outlook is closed.
2. Locate ScanPST.exe, typically found in C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\OfficeXX.
3. Select Browse and choose your PST or OST file, generally located at C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook.
4. Click Start. If any errors are detected, you will be prompted to begin the repair process.
5. Click on the Repair button and wait for it to complete.

You can also use specialized repair software for this task. Tools like IOLO System Mechanic can quickly scan your system and fix any identified issues.

3. Update Search Index

1. Click the Start button, type Indexing Options, and press Enter.
2. Click Modify and ensure that Outlook is checked.
3. Click Advanced, then click Rebuild in the Troubleshooting section. Confirm by selecting OK.

4. Create a New Outlook Profile

1. Click the Start button, type Control Panel, and hit Enter.
2. Select Mail (Microsoft Outlook).
3. Click on Show Profiles and then Add to create a new profile.
4. Provide a name for the new profile and select OK.
5. Follow the setup prompts to configure your email account in the new profile.
6. Set the new profile as default and start Outlook.

5. Repair Office

1. Click the Start button, type Control Panel, and press Enter.
2. Select Uninstall a program under Programs.
3. Right-click your Microsoft Office installation and choose Change.
4. Select the Online Repair option and click Repair. Follow the on-screen instructions.

If these solutions do not resolve the issue, you may need to reinstall Office completely.

By following these steps, you should be able to fix the problem of Outlook freezing when searching. Remember, there are other search-related issues too, such as Outlook search not displaying recent emails.

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