I run Windows Server 2008 as my workstation and lately I found the need to search historic emails in Outlook. This resulted in a nag from Outlook telling me that Windows Search Service must be enabled. Thus I am writing this post as a future reference for myself in case I forget how to do this.

The way to enable Windows Search Service in Server 2008 is by going to Server Manager. Right click on Roles and then Add Roles. Check File Services.

For Role Services make sure that Windows Search Service is checked. And then click Install.