Typing a search in Outlook returns too many top results before you even see the specific message you were looking for. If you are tired of sifting through suggested contacts, suggested files, and other clutter, you are not alone. This guide covers exactly how to remove top results from Outlook search using simple, step-by-step methods. We will show you how to clean up your search results so you can find the email you need fast.
Outlook’s search feature is powerful, but sometimes it shows too much. Top results often include people you email often, recent files, or calendar items. While helpful for some, these can get in the way when you need a specific message. The good news is you can control what appears. Below, we explain the best ways to turn off or hide these top results.
Why Outlook Shows Top Results In Search
Outlook uses a feature called “top results” to show what it thinks you want. This is based on your recent activity and frequent contacts. The idea is to save you time, but it can backfire. When you search for an old email, top results push it down the list. This makes it harder to find what you actually need.
The top results section usually includes:
- Suggested contacts (people you email often)
- Recent files or attachments
- Calendar events
- Suggested emails from frequent senders
If you want to remove these, you have a few options. You can disable the feature entirely, or you can adjust settings to show fewer suggestions. Each method works on different versions of Outlook, so we cover all major ones.
How To Remove Top Results From Outlook Search
This section walks you through the exact steps to turn off top results. Follow the method that matches your Outlook version. We cover Outlook for Microsoft 365, Outlook 2019, 2016, and Outlook for Mac.
Method 1: Disable Top Results In Outlook For Windows
This is the most common method. It works for Outlook 2019, 2016, and Microsoft 365 versions on Windows. You will use the registry editor to change a setting. Be careful—editing the registry can affect other programs. Backup your registry first if you are unsure.
- Close Outlook completely.
- Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog.
- Type regedit and press Enter.
- Navigate to this path:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Outlook\Search - If you do not see a Search folder, right-click on Outlook, select New > Key, and name it Search.
- Inside the Search folder, right-click on empty space, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
- Name the new value DisableTopResults.
- Double-click the new value and set its data to 1.
- Click OK and close the Registry Editor.
- Restart Outlook.
After this, top results should no longer appear. Your search will show only emails and items that match your query. If you want to undo this, change the value back to 0 or delete the DisableTopResults entry.
Method 2: Turn Off Top Results In Outlook For Mac
Outlook for Mac has a simpler setting. You do not need to edit the registry. Follow these steps:
- Open Outlook on your Mac.
- Click on Outlook in the top menu bar.
- Select Preferences.
- Click on General.
- Uncheck the box that says Show top results in search.
- Close the preferences window.
This change takes effect immediately. Your search will now show all results in a flat list, without a separate top results section.
Method 3: Use Group Policy To Disable Top Results (For IT Admins)
If you manage multiple computers, you can use Group Policy to turn off top results for everyone. This is useful in corporate environments. You need the Outlook administrative templates installed.
- Open the Group Policy Management Console.
- Navigate to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Microsoft Outlook 2016 > Outlook Options > Preferences > Search.
- Find the setting Disable top results in search.
- Set it to Enabled.
- Apply the policy and update the group policy on client machines.
This method forces the setting for all users. They will not be able to change it themselves.
Method 4: Clear Frequent Contacts To Reduce Top Results
Sometimes top results are based on your frequent contacts list. If you do not want to disable the feature entirely, you can clear this list. This reduces the number of suggested contacts in search.
- In Outlook, go to the Home tab.
- Click on Address Book (or press Ctrl+Shift+B).
- In the Address Book window, click on Tools > Options.
- Under the When opening the Address Book, show this address list first, select Contacts.
- Click OK.
- Close the Address Book.
- Now, go to File > Options > Search.
- Under Results, uncheck Include suggestions from the Address Book.
- Click OK.
This will stop Outlook from showing frequent contacts as top results. Your search will still show emails, but fewer suggestions.
Method 5: Use A Third-Party Add-In To Manage Search
If the built-in options are not enough, you can use a third-party add-in. Some tools let you customize search behavior more deeply. For example, add-ins like Search Tools for Outlook allow you to hide top results, filter by date, or exclude certain folders.
Be cautious when installing add-ins. Only download from trusted sources. Check reviews and compatibility with your Outlook version. After installation, follow the add-in’s instructions to disable top results.
Common Issues When Removing Top Results
Sometimes the steps above do not work as expected. Here are common problems and fixes.
Top Results Still Appear After Registry Edit
If you edited the registry but top results still show, double-check the path. Make sure you created the DWORD in the correct folder. Also, ensure you set the value to 1, not 0. Restart Outlook after making the change. If it still does not work, try restarting your computer.
Setting Resets After Outlook Update
Outlook updates can sometimes reset registry changes. If you notice top results returning after an update, reapply the registry edit. You can also create a script to automate this. For IT admins, Group Policy is more reliable because it persists through updates.
Mac Setting Not Saving
On Mac, if the setting does not save, check if you have multiple Outlook profiles. The setting applies only to the current profile. Switch to the correct profile and try again. Also, make sure you have the latest version of Outlook for Mac.
Alternative Ways To Improve Outlook Search
Removing top results is just one way to improve search. Here are other tips to make finding emails faster.
Use Search Filters
Outlook has built-in filters that narrow results. After typing a search, click on the Search tab. You can filter by date, sender, subject, or attachment. This helps you skip top results and go straight to what you need.
Create Search Folders
Search folders are virtual folders that show emails matching specific criteria. For example, you can create a folder for unread emails from your boss. This reduces the need to search manually. To create one, go to Folder > New Search Folder.
Index Your Outlook Data File
If search is slow, your data file might not be indexed. Go to File > Options > Search > Indexing Options. Make sure Outlook is included. Rebuild the index if needed. This makes search faster and more accurate.
Use Instant Search
Instant Search shows results as you type. If top results bother you, you can disable Instant Search and use the old search method. Go to File > Options > Search and uncheck Enable Instant Search. This removes the dropdown suggestions but still shows results in the list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Remove Top Results From Outlook Search Without Editing The Registry?
Yes, if you use Outlook for Mac, you can turn off top results in Preferences. For Windows, the registry edit is the only built-in way. Third-party add-ins also work without registry changes.
Will Removing Top Results Affect My Search Speed?
No, it should not affect speed. It only changes how results are displayed. Your search will still find the same emails, but without the separate top results section.
How Do I Restore Top Results After Disabling Them?
For Windows, go back to the registry and change DisableTopResults to 0 or delete the value. For Mac, re-check the box in Preferences. For Group Policy, set the policy to Disabled.
Does This Work For Outlook Web App (OWA)?
No, the methods above are for the desktop version. OWA has its own search settings. In OWA, you cannot remove top results, but you can use filters to narrow down.
Why Does Outlook Show Top Results Even After I Disabled Them?
This can happen if the registry edit was not applied correctly, or if an update reset it. Double-check the path and value. Also, ensure you restarted Outlook. If using a work computer, your IT admin may have set a policy that overrides your changes.
Final Thoughts On Removing Top Results
Knowing how to remove top results from Outlook search can save you time and frustration. Whether you use the registry edit, Mac settings, or Group Policy, the steps are straightforward. Start with the method that fits your version. If you run into issues, check the common fixes above.
Remember, you can always undo the changes if you miss the top results. The goal is to make Outlook work for you, not against you. With these tweaks, your search will show only the emails you actually want to see.
If you found this guide helpful, share it with colleagues who also struggle with Outlook search. A cleaner search experience means less time clicking and more time working.