Search function not working

The search box in the upper right corner of a Finder window returns no results, even when I search for a common word I know appears in many places across the files and folders in that window.


I'm having a similar issue with Microsoft Outlook for MAC. Searching for a name I know is in my Outlook contacts file returns no results.


I tried reindexing Spotlight but the issue persists. Suggestions?

Paul's Macbook Pro M2

Posted on Jul 21, 2023 10:46 AM

Reply
4 replies

Jul 21, 2023 10:53 AM in response to Seat 7A

Seat 7A wrote:

The search box in the upper right corner of a Finder window returns no results, even when I search for a common word I know appears in many places across the files and folders in that window.

I'm having a similar issue with Microsoft Outlook for MAC. Searching for a name I know is in my Outlook contacts file returns no results.

I tried reindexing Spotlight but the issue persists. Suggestions?


Verify Spotlight>Settings that all are checked

>System Settings>Spotlight




The most effective way above all others to rebuild the Index is use the Macintosh HD drag and drop method..



Rebuild the Spotlight index on your Mac

Rebuild the Spotlight index on your Mac - Apple Support




If no insight or resolve you can try from Terminal .app


To enable a disabled SpotLight copy and paste

sudo launchctl load -w /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.apple.metadata.mds.plist


Question marked as Helpful

Jul 21, 2023 10:53 AM in response to Seat 7A

Download and run the (free) EtreCheck tool, and share the results report to the clipboard. Then open a new reply here, and press the Additional Text button that looks like a printed page to get a text input box big enough to paste the hardware and software configuration report here, and paste and post that report here.


This report will tell us more about what we are dealing with; issues that might effect Spotlight searches.

Search function not working

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