Classic Outlook clings to stale search results as Microsoft works on a fix
Moved messages linger and throw errors when clicked, leaving Windows Desktop Search as the workaround
Microsoft is urging Outlook users to switch from the classic version to the newer version, but a search bug is hindering the older client. This issue causes search results to fail updating after items are moved or changed, and Microsoft's workaround redirects affected users to Windows Desktop Search. The problem mainly affects Server Assisted Search for mailboxes in online mode.
When users move an item from search results to another folder, it stays there and causes errors when clicked. Changes in categories or read/unread status may also be affected. Microsoft has acknowledged the issue and is developing a fix, which is being treated as a hotfix for the Outlook team. However, there is no estimated time of arrival (ETA) for the fix yet.
Microsoft’s plan to phase out Classic Outlook begins in 2027, when existing installations will start defaulting to New Outlook unless administrators prevent the migration. Users can still switch back to Classic Outlook, but the opt-out phase will eventually remove this option. Microsoft has attempted to bolster Classic Outlook by adding Copilot and other features, but problems persist, including the aforementioned Server Assisted Search issue.
Another update aimed at making the new tools resemble Classic Outlook has recently been rolled out. This cosmetic change does not restore the missing functionality, although bugs specific to Classic Outlook should not follow users to the new client.
Written by urgent.news from The Register's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
