Outlook 365 Windows Search Exited without Properly Closing Outlook Data File (OST): [Problem Solved]
When users attempt to search for emails in Outlook, they see the error message “Outlook 365 Windows Search exited without properly closing Outlook Data File (OST)”. You will learn the causes of the error and how to troubleshoot and fix it in this blog. Additionally, you’ll learn how to use an OST to PST Converter program to recover and restore your emails from orphaned or unavailable Offline Outlook data files (OST).
For Microsoft 365, Exchange, and IMAP email accounts, Microsoft Outlook is the recommended and standard email client and calendaring application. Errors could, however, result from underlying problems with the system, the data file, or the Outlook client. One of the common problems is “Outlook 365 Windows Search exited without properly closing Outlook Data File (OST).”
This error message can appear if Outlook crashes when the user is trying to use the search bar in Outlook to find a message or mail item. When the user tries to open a mail folder in Outlook, it can also show up.
The causes of this problem and possible fixes are discussed in the sections below. We have also provided some fast tips for avoiding these Outlook errors and problems.
Why Does Outlook 365 Windows Search Exit Error Occur?
The “Outlook 365 Windows Search Exited” error typically occurs when there is an issue with the Windows Search service or the search index used by Outlook 365. This error can prevent Outlook from displaying search results or cause the application to crash.
The following are some potential causes of this error:
- Windows Search service malfunction: The Windows Search service is responsible for indexing and retrieving search results on your computer. If this service encounters problems or fails to function correctly, it can result in the “Outlook 365 Windows Search Exited” error.
- Corrupted search index: Outlook relies on a search index to quickly retrieve search results. If the search index becomes corrupted or damaged, it can lead to issues with the search functionality and trigger the error message.
- Third-party add-ins or plugins: Sometimes, third-party add-ins or plugins installed in Outlook can conflict with the Windows Search service or interfere with the search process. These conflicts can cause the error to occur.
- Outdated or incompatible software: If you’re using an outdated version of Outlook 365 or the Windows operating system, it might not be compatible with the latest updates or features, leading to conflicts and errors.
- Insufficient system resources: In some cases, the error can occur if your computer doesn’t have enough system resources (such as memory or processing power) to handle the indexing and search processes effectively.
Various Techniques for Fixing the Outlook 365 Windows Search Exited Error
You can attempt the following fixes to troubleshoot and fix the “Outlook 365 Windows Search Exited” error:
Method 1: Restart Outlook and Computer:
Sometimes, a straightforward restart can resolve momentary bugs or conflicts. Close Outlook and restart both Outlook and your computer to see if the error persists.
Method 2. Repair Microsoft Office:
Use the built-in repair option in Microsoft Office to fix any corrupted or missing files. Go to the Control Panel, select “Programs and Features” or “Apps & features,” locate Microsoft Office in the list, right-click on it, and choose “Repair.” Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the repair process.
Method 3. Check for Outlook Updates:
You can update and check your Outlook to see if it fixes the issue. You can do this by taking the following steps:
- Click File > Office Account > Update Options in Outlook once it has been opened.
- Then select Update Now.
- Install any new updates if they are available, then restart Outlook.
- Check if the error still occurs.
Method 4. Disable add-ins:
Third-party add-ins or plugins can sometimes interfere with Outlook’s search functionality. Disable all add-ins and check if the error persists.
- Press Windows + R and then close Outlook.
- Enter Outlook.exe /safe, then hit OK.
- Hit the Enter key. Outlook will launch in safe mode.
- Navigate to File > Options > Add-ins in Outlook once it launches in Safe Mode. then press the “Go” button.
- To disable each add-in, uncheck each box and then click OK.
- Select the add-ins you no longer need, then click Restart Outlook normally.
If the error does not show, you can keep working through the steps below to identify and get rid of any problematic or incompatible add-ins.
- Select File > Options > Add-Ins, then click the Go button.
- Restart Outlook after activating each add-in one at a time.
- When you spot the issue, keep doing this and then get rid of the broken add-in.
- The error should be permanently fixed after it has been deleted.
Method 5. Rebuild the search index:
You can try rebuilding the Outlook search index if the Outlook error still occurs. To do this, take these actions:
Open Outlook and choose File > Options > Search.
- Select Indexing Options from the Sources column, then select Advanced.
- Rebuild will begin after you click it; wait for it to finish.
Restart Outlook after the procedure is finished to see if the error has been fixed.
Method 6. Create a new Outlook Profile:
If the above steps don’t resolve the error, try creating a new Outlook profile. Sometimes, a corrupted profile can cause search-related issues.
Open the Control Panel, click on “Mail,” and then click on “Show Profiles.” Create a new profile, set it as the default, and configure your email accounts. Test Outlook’s search functionality in the new profile to see if the error persists.
Note: The OST file linked to the old profile will be deleted along with it. Copy the OST file to another folder or drive volume as a backup to prevent data loss.
Method 7. Reinstall Outlook
Try reinstalling Outlook to see if it fixes the “Outlook 365 Windows Search exited without closing Outlook Data File” error if fixing MS Office didn’t work.
- Go to Control Panel and select Programs > Uninstall a program.
- Select Microsoft Office, then click Uninstall. The Microsoft Office uninstaller tool is another option. The utility entirely removes Microsoft Office from the system and enables you to install it from scratch.
- Download the setup, then follow the installation wizard to complete a reinstallation.
When your OST file is inconsistent, inaccessible, or orphaned and you need to extract your mail items from such OST files, CubexSoft OST Converter comes in help. Additionally, it enables you to keep the original folder structure while exporting the mail items from OST files directly to Microsoft 365 and Live Exchange Server.
Advice on How to Avoid the Outlook 365 Windows Search Exiting Error in the Future
You can avoid several Outlook issues, such as Outlook 365 Windows Search terminating without correctly closing Outlook Data File (OST), by following to the fast tips listed below.
- Never shut down the system or Outlook by force.
- Close Outlook before shutting down or restarting the computer.
- Updates for Windows and Outlook are constantly downloaded and installed.
- Never install or download add-ins that are not necessary from reliable sources.
- For optimal efficiency and error-free operation, keep your Outlook OST file size under 10 GB.
- Regularly scan your OST file with SCANPST to look for and correct small mistakes and inconsistencies.
The Final Words!
The solutions provided in this article can be used to fix the “Outlook 365 Windows Search exited without properly closing Outlook Data File (OST)” issue. Use the Outlook Import Export wizard to backup your mail items to prevent data loss. You can use an OST to PST converter application to extract and save your mail items from the OST file to a PST file if the wizard fails to function because the OST file is inconsistent.
