Copilot+ PCs are poised for a significant upgrade, addressing one of the more criticized aspects of Windows 11. The latest Insider build introduces an enhanced Windows Search feature, leveraging artificial intelligence and dedicated hardware to streamline the process of locating documents, images, and settings. This improvement is currently exclusive to Copilot+ PCs equipped with Snapdragon processors, while users of AMD and Intel-powered devices can expect access to this feature in the near future, as confirmed by Microsoft.
Since its announcement last October, the improved Windows Search has generated anticipation among users. This feature allows for a more intuitive search experience, enabling users to employ natural language queries within the Windows Search pane. With the integration of semantic indexing alongside traditional lexical indexing, users can now find content without needing to recall specific file names or exact phrases. For instance, a simple query like “change my theme” will yield relevant results within the Settings app.
Enhanced Search Capabilities
- New! The search functionality on Copilot+ PCs has been significantly refined. Users can now effortlessly locate documents, photos, and settings across Windows 11. The enhanced Windows Search utilizes the advanced capabilities of the onboard NPUs, which boast over 40 TOPS, ensuring that these improvements remain effective even without an internet connection. Currently, this feature is available on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, with support for AMD and Intel systems on the horizon.
- New! Finding cloud-stored photos has also become more straightforward. Users can input personalized phrases, such as “summer picnics,” into the search box within File Explorer. This feature not only retrieves locally stored images but also integrates results from cloud storage, displaying exact matches for keywords found within the text of cloud files. This experience is accessible for users signed into OneDrive with their Microsoft accounts.
Microsoft has indicated that the improved Windows Search feature will be available through the Windows Insider Program by early 2025, although a specific general release date has yet to be announced. Historically, features in the Release Preview Channel transition to general availability within a timeframe of approximately four to six weeks, though this is not a strict guideline. As excitement builds, Microsoft is expected to unveil new AI capabilities, including the improved Windows Search, during a consumer-focused AI event scheduled for April 4, 2025, coinciding with the company’s 50th anniversary.
