To enable the Windows Desktop Search: Add-in for Outlook (also commonly referenced as the Windows Search Email Indexer COM add-in), you must configure it through Outlook’s native add-in management system. This specific add-in allows the native Windows Search service to index and search your local Outlook emails, .pst, and .ost data files efficiently.
Follow this step-by-step guide to verify, enable, or troubleshoot this add-in within classic Microsoft Outlook for Windows. Step 1: Access Outlook Options Open Microsoft Outlook.
Click the File tab located in the top-left corner of the window. Select Options from the left-side sidebar menu. Step 2: Navigate to the Add-ins Panel
Inside the Outlook Options window, click on the Add-ins category in the left pane.
You will see a structured list divided into Active, Inactive, and Disabled Application Add-ins.
Look for Windows Desktop Search Add-in or Windows Search Email Indexer. Step 3: Activate the Add-in (COM Add-ins)
If the add-in is listed under “Inactive Application Add-ins”:
Look at the bottom of the window for the Manage drop-down menu.
Ensure COM Add-ins is selected, then click the Go… button.
Check the box next to Windows Search Email Indexer (or Windows Desktop Search Add-in). Click OK. Troubleshooting: What to do if it is missing or disabled A. Re-enable from Disabled Items
If the add-in crashed or caused Outlook to slow down, Windows may have forced it into isolation. Go to File > Options > Add-ins.
Leave a Reply