Microsoft opens testing for Windows AI search

Microsoft is Testing AI-Powered Windows Search

The software giant has released a new development channel build for Windows 11 Insider testers featuring AI-powered Windows search. As announced in October, this AI-powered search tool uses semantic indexing to allow users to search for local files using more casual language. However, it requires a Copilot Plus PC to use.

A New Way of Searching

The new search feature can be accessed using search boxes in Settings, File Explorer, or the taskbar. Additionally, users don’t need to be connected to the internet for the feature to work, thanks to the NPU chips on Copilot Plus computers. For now, AI search is limited to Windows settings and files with image and text formats that include JPEG, PNG, PDF, TXT, and XLS.

How Does it Work

According to Microsoft, the search feature only works for files in locations you’ve chosen to index. Users can customize these locations by going to Settings > Privacy & Security > Searching Windows, or they can turn on “Enhanced” to index their whole machine. The company also notes that the feature will eventually expand to include cloud data such as that stored in OneDrive.

Language Support

The AI-powered Windows search feature will initially work for machines set to Chinese, English, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish languages, with support for other languages added later.

Availability and Rollout

AI-powered Windows search will gradually roll out to Windows Insiders on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, with support for Intel or AMD Copilot Plus computers later.

AI Writing Tools

In addition to the new search feature, the build also includes AI writing tools offered by Click to Do, a feature that lets you choose from context-sensitive menus of options when you hold the Windows key down and left-click on your screen. The feature now also includes a “Refine” option that can correct grammar for you when you click a block of text and select Rewrite.

Conclusion

The new AI-powered Windows search feature and writing tools are currently available for Windows 11 Insider testers on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs and will gradually roll out to Intel or AMD Copilot Plus computers later.

FAQs

What is AI-powered Windows search? The new search feature uses semantic indexing to allow users to search for local files using more casual language.

Do I need a special PC to use AI-powered Windows search? Yes, you need a Copilot Plus PC to use the feature.

What types of files can be searched using AI-powered Windows search? The feature can search for Windows settings and files with image and text formats that include JPEG, PNG, PDF, TXT, and XLS.

Will the feature work if I’m offline? Yes, users don’t need to be connected to the internet for the feature to work, thanks to the NPU chips on Copilot Plus computers.

What languages does the feature currently support? The AI-powered Windows search feature currently works for machines set to Chinese, English, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish languages, with support for other languages added later.