Windows 11 is poised to enhance its search capabilities significantly with the introduction of a natural language search feature, specifically designed for Copilot+ PCs. This development is currently making strides through testing, and it promises to revolutionize how users interact with their devices.
The latest preview release in the Beta channel (build 26120.3585) has unveiled these ‘local semantic search’ capabilities, available for Copilot+ laptops powered by AMD or Intel processors. Additionally, users of Snapdragon (Arm-powered) Copilot+ PCs can also access this feature in the Release Preview. This advancement extends beyond traditional file searches, allowing users to query settings directly, such as asking, “show me the Bluetooth devices connected to my PC.”
At the heart of this innovation lies the Neural Processing Unit (NPU) of the Copilot+ PC, which facilitates local processing of queries. This means that users can enjoy enhanced search functionality without the need for an internet connection, as no data is sent to the cloud. Furthermore, the AI-enhanced search can also retrieve photos stored in the cloud, integrating results from OneDrive seamlessly with local files. Microsoft elaborates, stating, “In addition to photos stored locally on your Copilot+ PC, photos from the cloud will now show up in the search results together.”
Currently, this feature is limited to OneDrive, but Microsoft is actively working to extend support to third-party cloud storage services. It’s important to note that while searching for Windows settings is functional within the Settings app, the ultimate goal is to enable these results to be flagged from the desktop taskbar’s search box, akin to the standard search function.
For those participating in the Beta channel, the rollout of this feature is gradual, meaning it may take some time before it becomes widely available. Users might need to reboot their Copilot+ PCs a couple of times to fully activate the AI-enhanced search once it appears.
Analysis: A golden gift for Copilot+ PCs
The introduction of natural language search represents a significant leap forward for Windows 11, particularly for Copilot+ PCs. Historically, the search functionality in Windows has been criticized for its sluggishness and inefficiency, often returning irrelevant results. This new feature aims to address those long-standing issues, enhancing the overall user experience and convenience.
By employing semantic indexing, Microsoft’s AI will efficiently catalog files, enabling quicker and more responsive search results. The company emphasizes that all processing occurs locally, ensuring user privacy—a crucial consideration in today’s digital landscape. As noted, “Semantic indexing is enabled by default on Copilot+ PCs,” though users have the option to disable it or exclude specific files or folders through the Settings app under Privacy & Security > Searching Windows > Advanced indexing options.
This AI-driven search capability was previously observed in the Dev channel, and its progression to the Beta and Release Preview stages suggests that a finalized version for Windows 11 is on the horizon for these devices. While there are no guarantees that every feature in testing will be released, the likelihood of this particular enhancement seeing the light of day appears strong. Given its complexity, Microsoft may still need to refine and debug the functionality, but a successful rollout could provide a significant competitive edge for Copilot+ PCs, adding valuable selling points to this innovative line of computers.
