The new Outlook for Windows includes a redesigned search box that now suggests file attachments as you type. Instead of opening a folder and scrolling through hundreds of items, you can type a filename or keyword and see matching attachments appear instantly. This feature pulls results from your current mailbox, shared mailboxes, and online archives. This article explains how the new attachment search works, how to use it, and what to do when it does not show the file you expect.
Key Takeaways: Using the New Outlook Search Box for File Attachments
- Search box in new Outlook: Shows file suggestions from your mailbox as you type, including PDFs, Word docs, Excel sheets, and images.
- Click a suggestion or press Enter: Opens the parent email containing that attachment directly.
- Search scope settings: Use the filter icon to narrow results to “All Mailboxes” or “Current Mailbox” for faster file discovery.
How the New Outlook Search Box Finds Attachments
The new Outlook uses the same indexing engine as Windows Search but applies it to your mailbox data in real time. When you type a word in the search box, Outlook queries the index of your current mailbox and any connected shared mailboxes. It returns a list of matching emails, contacts, calendar items, and file attachments. The attachment suggestions appear as a separate group within the drop-down list, labeled “Files” or showing a paperclip icon.
This feature works only in the new Outlook for Windows app, which is the version with the simplified ribbon and the cloud-connected design. It does not work in classic Outlook or Outlook for Mac. You need an active Microsoft 365 subscription or a work or school account that has access to Exchange Online. The search index updates as new messages arrive, so recent attachments appear within seconds.
What Types of Files Are Searchable
The search box indexes the filename and the file extension of every attachment stored in your mailbox. It does not index the content inside the file itself. For example, if you attach a PDF named “Q3_Report.pdf,” typing “Q3” or “Report” will show that file. But typing a word that appears only inside the PDF body will not return the attachment. Outlook indexes the following file types by default:
- Microsoft Office files: .docx, .xlsx, .pptx, .msg
- Adobe PDF files: .pdf
- Image files: .jpg, .png, .gif, .bmp
- Text files: .txt, .csv, .rtf
- Compressed files: .zip
Where the Search Results Come From
The attachment suggestions come from three locations:
- Your primary mailbox stored on Exchange Online
- Shared mailboxes you have opened and have full read access to
- Online archive mailboxes if your organization has enabled archiving
The search does not include files stored on OneDrive, SharePoint, or local folders unless you have attached those files to an email and sent or saved them in your mailbox.
Steps to Find Attachments Using the New Search Box
- Open the new Outlook app
Launch the new Outlook for Windows. If you see a toggle in the top-right corner labeled “Try the new Outlook,” turn it on to switch to the new version. - Click the search box
The search box is at the top center of the Outlook window. It shows the text “Search” or a magnifying glass icon. Click once to place the cursor inside it. - Type the filename or a keyword
Type any part of the attachment name. For example, type “invoice” to see all files with the word “invoice” in the filename. The drop-down list updates as you type. - Look for the “Files” section in the suggestions
Scroll down the drop-down list. You will see a section labeled “Files” or entries with a paperclip icon next to them. These are the attachment suggestions. - Click the file suggestion
Click any file entry in the list. Outlook opens the parent email that contains that attachment. The email opens in the reading pane or a separate window, depending on your layout settings. - Open the attachment from the email
Once the email is open, double-click the attachment to open it, or right-click and select “Save As” to download it to your computer.
Refine Search Results by Mailbox
If you have multiple mailboxes open, you can narrow the search to a specific mailbox:
- Click the search box
Place the cursor in the search box. - Click the filter icon
The filter icon looks like a funnel and appears on the right side of the search box. Click it to open the search filter panel. - Select a mailbox under “Scope”
Choose “All Mailboxes” to search everywhere or “Current Mailbox” to search only the mailbox you are currently viewing. The attachment suggestions update immediately.
Common Issues When Searching for Attachments
No File Suggestions Appear in the Drop-Down
If you type a keyword but see only email suggestions and no file entries, the search index may be incomplete or the file type may not be indexed. First, check that you are using the new Outlook for Windows, not classic Outlook. Then verify that the attachment filename contains the exact keyword you typed. If the file is a .msg file attached to another email, Outlook treats it as a message, not an attachment, so it will not appear in the Files section.
Attachment Search Returns Old Files Only
The search index refreshes periodically but not instantly. If you just received an email with a new attachment, wait 30 to 60 seconds and try the search again. If the file still does not appear, close and reopen Outlook to force a re-index of recent items.
Searching in Shared Mailboxes Does Not Work
For attachment search to work in a shared mailbox, you must have full read access and the mailbox must be fully synced to the new Outlook app. Open the shared mailbox explicitly by going to File > Account Settings > Account Settings > Change > More Settings > Advanced > Open these additional mailboxes. After adding the shared mailbox, wait a few minutes for the index to build before searching.
New Outlook Search vs Classic Outlook Search: Key Differences
| Item | New Outlook | Classic Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Search box location | Top center of the window | Top right of the window |
| Attachment suggestions | Shown as a separate Files section in the drop-down | Not shown as a separate group; all results mixed |
| File content indexing | Indexes filename only | Indexes filename and file content if Windows Search is enabled |
| Search scope | Filter icon to choose All Mailboxes or Current Mailbox | Search tab in ribbon with Scope group |
| Shared mailbox support | Requires explicit mailbox addition | Automatic if mailbox is auto-mapped |
The new Outlook search box is faster for finding attachments by filename because it groups results visually. However, classic Outlook can search inside file content if you have Windows Search configured correctly. Choose the version that matches your need for speed versus depth of search.
You can now use the new Outlook search box to locate file attachments by typing partial filenames. The feature saves time by showing attachment suggestions before you finish typing. To get the most out of it, keep your mailbox synced and use the filter icon to limit the scope when you have many mailboxes open. If you need to search inside the text of a PDF or Word document, consider using classic Outlook with Windows Search enabled as a fallback.