By default, classic Outlook only searches the mailbox you’re currently viewing. If the email you’re looking for is in another mailbox or folder, the search will come up empty even though the message exists. Here’s how to widen the scope.
Steps to expand your search scope
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Click “Search” to open the search box.
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Click the downward-facing arrow on the right side of the search box to reveal additional options.
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Click the downward-facing arrow next to the “Search In” field to see available scope options.
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Select your search scope. Choose either “Current Mailbox” to search within your active mailbox, or “All Outlook Items” to search every mailbox and folder. Note that searching all items may take longer depending on mailbox size.
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Enter your keyword and click “Search” to run it.
That’s it. Once the scope is set, Outlook will remember it for future searches in the same session.
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