Every time the search field in Outlook 2016 is clicked on in an elastically layered image, a prompt for credentials is displayed and an installer launches & hangs. This completely disables the search functionality of Outlook. This error can also occur on Outlook 2013.

Outlook is trying to install the "Windows Search Service" but unable to. By adding the "Windows Search Service" feature on a new version of the OS layer for 2012R2 server the issue will be resolved.

Microsoft article: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/2643974/-please-wait-while-windows-configures-microsoft-office-64-bit-components-2013-message-when-you-start-outook-2013

Windows Server 2012

• Start Server Manager.
• Click Manage, and then click Add Roles and Features.
• On the Before You Begin page, click Next.
• On the Installation Type page, select Role-based or Feature-based Installation, and then click Next.
• On the Server Selection page, select the server or virtual hard disk on which you want to install the Windows Search Service.
• On the Features page, select Windows Search Service, and then click Next. On the Confirmation page, verify that Windows Search Service is listed, and then click Install.

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Problem Cause

"Windows Search Service" feature was not added on the Win2012R2 server

Outlook 2013 and 2016 prompt for an installer and hang when clicking the search field. Windows Installer Coordinator: "Please wait while the application is preparing for the first use"

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/2643974/-please-wait-while-windows-configures-microsoft-office-64-bit-components-2013-message-when-you-start-outook-2013