Users of macOS Monterey up to the current version 12.1 complain of problems with the Spotlight system search. These are expressed, among other things, in the fact that content and files are simply no longer found in the Finder when the search function is limited to folders. Furthermore, the Spotlight search field, which can be called up via the combination apple + space bar (or the Spotlight icon in the menu bar), “forgets” any applications that are definitely installed on the system. They can therefore no longer be called up using this popular quick start option – and then have to be found manually in the Finder and double-clicked.
Malfunctions also with Outlook
There had previously been reports of a malfunctioning search function in Microsoft’s Outlook mail and calendar app under macOS 12. Here, however, messages and appointments can only be found in the app itself no longer; they can be found in the Finder and via the Spotlight search field. Furthermore, there is at least one memory leak in connection with the search function in Apple’s file manager – whether this also slows down the search that is limited to folders is unclear. A usually recommended workaround – restarting the Finder – frees up memory but does not fix the search bug.
The problem manifests itself in the Finder if the sensible setting “Search in current folder” has been activated. This means that hits are first searched for in the current folder, which usually restricts the list of results. Due to the Spotlight bug, however, the hit list remains completely empty for the users concerned, as can be read in the official Apple forum and can also be seen on a machine in the Mac & i editorial team. Searching for content as well as file names does not work.
Just search everywhere
There is currently a workaround: You have to extend the search in the Finder to the entire Mac. However, this may result in very long lists of results. If apps are not found in the Spotlight search, you can either reinstall them or drag them briefly to the desktop and move them back into the application folder – that should jerk the Spotlight search.
Sometimes it also helps to give the Mac some time. After an upgrade or move to Monterey, a large mail archive needs several hours before the search is available again there. The computer must be switched on for this. The search function in the news app is also often not immediately available. The unpleasant thing about it: The fact that the new index is still being built is nowhere to be seen, and the usual bar in the system-wide Spotlight search field has mostly already disappeared. It remains to be seen whether Apple will fix the search problems with macOS 12.2 – a beta test is currently running.
(bsc)