---
title: "Public Folders and the Search for Files"
url: https://lookeen.com/blog/public-folders-and-the-search-for-files
lang: en
description: "Search efficiently with Lookeen. Even in public folders where desktop search no longer works."
author: "Fiona Allan"
published: 2015-04-13T14:09:28+00:00
modified: 2026-11-11T06:43:26+00:00
---

# Public Folders and the Search for Files

No matter how much Microsoft **resisted** – public folders have remained. Although they were changed with the release of Office version 2013, they were not abandoned. This is likely due to the still high popularity of public folders, especially among businesses. However, searching within them remains difficult – unless you know how to use the right search tool for assistance.

## Changes since Office 2013

[Find out how you can search public folders faster here!](https://lookeen.com/solutions/outlook-search/search-public-folders)

Since Office 2013, Microsoft has decided to change the system: Public folders are no longer stored in a database and replicated on demand, but instead stored in a mailbox. The practical benefit is that the contents of the public folders are always up to date. However, critics point out that multiple people can no longer edit the files simultaneously.

## Searching Public Folders

As much as Microsoft has focused on better stability and currency for the new public folders – the search functionality fell by the wayside. With Outlook 2013, it is no longer possible to search through the public folders using Outlook Search. This is a problem, because without a well-functioning search feature, companies with a large folder structure are left stranded.

## Managing Public Folders with Lookeen

Lookeen is particularly suitable for desktop search when working with public folders. The user selects which folders should be indexed, and Lookeen then navigates through them seamlessly – regardless of whether the folders are located on the desktop or within a public folder.