Microsoft has begun the rollout of its much-anticipated Semantic Search feature to Windows Insiders Beta, specifically within the Preview Build 26120.3585 (KB5053644). This innovative functionality is designed to enhance the user experience by allowing for more intuitive searches across files, settings, and applications.
The Local Semantic Search is seamlessly integrated into the Start menu and Settings, enabling users to conduct contextual searches across various supported file formats. By simply typing in related keywords, users can retrieve relevant documents and images with ease. For instance, entering “landscape greenery” will yield all landscape images that feature greenery, streamlining the search process significantly.
In addition to local searches, Semantic Search extends its capabilities to the cloud. If OneDrive is enabled, users can search for matching files using the same phrases, thereby creating a cohesive search experience across devices. This feature bears resemblance to the Settings Search functionality found in the new Galaxy S25 series, which utilizes AI to interpret natural language inputs for specific settings adjustments.
However, it is important to note that Semantic Search is currently exclusive to Copilot+ PCs, leveraging the advanced Neural Processing Units (NPUs) within these devices. The feature supports multiple languages, including Chinese, English, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish, and accommodates a wide range of file formats such as TXT, PDF, DOCX, DOC, RTF, PPTX, PPT, XLS, XLSX, JPG, JPEG, PNG, GIF, BMP, and ICO.
Can Semantic Search Finally Fix Windows Search Issues?
Historically, Windows users have expressed dissatisfaction with the native search functionality, often citing its sluggishness as a major drawback. Many have turned to alternative Start menu solutions like Startisback in search of a more efficient experience. Although some users have found that adjusting indexing settings from Classic to Enhanced can help, the underlying speed issues persist.
Users frequently encounter frustrating moments where a simple search query yields no results due to minor typing errors, leading to the disappearance of the desired application. Additionally, the presence of Bing web results in the Start menu can further complicate searches, particularly when lagging performance muddles user queries with irrelevant search results.
With the introduction of Local Semantic Search, powered by the rapid NPUs in Copilot+ PCs, there is renewed hope for a significant improvement in Windows search capabilities. If Microsoft effectively harnesses this technology, it could potentially resolve longstanding search issues. However, it remains to be seen how many users will benefit from these advancements, given the current exclusivity to Copilot+ devices.
What are your thoughts on the implementation of Local Semantic Search in Windows? We invite you to share your insights in the comments section.
Semantic Search Rolls Out to Windows 11, But You Probably Can’t Use It
Microsoft has begun the rollout of its much-anticipated Semantic Search feature to Windows Insiders Beta, specifically within the Preview Build 26120.3585 (KB5053644). This innovative functionality is designed to enhance the user experience by allowing for more intuitive searches across files, settings, and applications.
The Local Semantic Search is seamlessly integrated into the Start menu and Settings, enabling users to conduct contextual searches across various supported file formats. By simply typing in related keywords, users can retrieve relevant documents and images with ease. For instance, entering “landscape greenery” will yield all landscape images that feature greenery, streamlining the search process significantly.
In addition to local searches, Semantic Search extends its capabilities to the cloud. If OneDrive is enabled, users can search for matching files using the same phrases, thereby creating a cohesive search experience across devices. This feature bears resemblance to the Settings Search functionality found in the new Galaxy S25 series, which utilizes AI to interpret natural language inputs for specific settings adjustments.
However, it is important to note that Semantic Search is currently exclusive to Copilot+ PCs, leveraging the advanced Neural Processing Units (NPUs) within these devices. The feature supports multiple languages, including Chinese, English, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish, and accommodates a wide range of file formats such as TXT, PDF, DOCX, DOC, RTF, PPTX, PPT, XLS, XLSX, JPG, JPEG, PNG, GIF, BMP, and ICO.
Can Semantic Search Finally Fix Windows Search Issues?
Historically, Windows users have expressed dissatisfaction with the native search functionality, often citing its sluggishness as a major drawback. Many have turned to alternative Start menu solutions like Startisback in search of a more efficient experience. Although some users have found that adjusting indexing settings from Classic to Enhanced can help, the underlying speed issues persist.
Users frequently encounter frustrating moments where a simple search query yields no results due to minor typing errors, leading to the disappearance of the desired application. Additionally, the presence of Bing web results in the Start menu can further complicate searches, particularly when lagging performance muddles user queries with irrelevant search results.
With the introduction of Local Semantic Search, powered by the rapid NPUs in Copilot+ PCs, there is renewed hope for a significant improvement in Windows search capabilities. If Microsoft effectively harnesses this technology, it could potentially resolve longstanding search issues. However, it remains to be seen how many users will benefit from these advancements, given the current exclusivity to Copilot+ devices.
What are your thoughts on the implementation of Local Semantic Search in Windows? We invite you to share your insights in the comments section.