In a significant update for Windows 11, Microsoft has rolled out the Insider Experimental Preview Build 26300.8687, which addresses long-standing frustrations with the Windows Search functionality. This update, released on June 12, 2026, introduces a much-anticipated feature that allows the search tool to accurately locate applications even when users input misspellings, omitted letters, or partial words. For instance, typing “utlook” will now reliably yield Outlook as a result. Additionally, enhancements in the ranking of settings search results will ensure that the most relevant options appear at the top, streamlining the user experience.
Windows Search now correctly finds your apps and files
The latest build specifically targets the application search component of Windows Search. Previously, the system’s spell-check capabilities were limited to web queries powered by Bing, often leading to user frustration when a mistyped app name yielded a corrected web result instead of the actual application. With the new update, this tolerance for errors is now applied to local searches as well.
In practical tests, typing “pwerp” in the Insider build immediately returned PowerPoint as the best match, complete with the correct app icon and options to open, run as administrator, or pin to the taskbar. Similarly, entering “tskm,” which included both a dropped letter and extra characters, successfully displayed Task Manager as the top result. These examples illustrate the enhanced capability of Windows Search to interpret user intent, even when the input is far from perfect.
Settings results in Search are improving
Microsoft has also made strides in improving the relevance of settings results within the search function. Historically, users faced challenges when searching for specific settings, as the ranking algorithm often prioritized loosely related results over the desired option. With the recent updates, users can expect more accurate results, with the most relevant settings now appearing prominently at the top of the list.
On the local file search front, a notable improvement has been observed. In a test involving a file named “Severance-S2E5” saved in the Downloads folder, the current stable version of Windows 11 failed to return any local results, instead prioritizing web search suggestions. However, the Insider build demonstrated a marked improvement, with the “Best match” section promptly displaying “Severance-S2E5 – JPG File,” including the file’s location and last modified date. This enhancement highlights the shift towards prioritizing local files over web results, a change confirmed by March Rogers, Microsoft’s Partner Director of Design for Windows.
You will soon be able to turn off web results in Windows Search
Another common grievance regarding Windows Search has been the prevalence of Bing results, even when users are searching for files or applications stored locally. Microsoft is currently testing a new feature that will allow users to configure Windows Search to focus exclusively on local content. When activated, this setting will eliminate Bing results from the search output, providing a cleaner and more relevant experience. Users will also have the option to independently toggle off Microsoft Store listings, catering to those who prefer a streamlined search experience.
Currently, disabling Bing results requires navigating through the Windows Registry, a process that is not user-friendly. The introduction of a straightforward toggle within the Settings menu aims to make this feature accessible to all users, eliminating the need for technical workarounds. As confirmed by Rogers, local files will be prioritized in the new search updates, and users will have the ability to completely turn off web suggestions.
Search improvements already live with the June 2026 update
While the typo correction feature and the Bing toggle are still undergoing testing, several search enhancements have already been implemented for all Windows 11 users as part of the June 2026 Patch Tuesday update (KB5094126). One of the most significant changes is that search now begins returning file results after just two characters instead of three, making it easier for users to locate files with shorter names.
Additionally, a feature known as Search by Substring, which allows users to find files using any segment of a filename, is currently available only in Insider builds. This means that a file named “ProjectBrief_June2026.docx” can be located by simply searching for “June2026,” without needing to type the full name. While the substring feature remains in testing, the two-character trigger has been confirmed to be operational in the June 2026 update.
As Microsoft continues to refine Windows Search, the anticipated improvements signal a commitment to enhancing user experience, addressing long-standing issues, and ensuring that the search functionality aligns more closely with user needs.
