Microsoft Launches Public Testing for AI-Enhanced Windows Search

Microsoft is currently experimenting with an AI-enhanced search feature for Windows 11 which is available in a new development build for Insider testers. This innovative tool was unveiled in October and employs semantic indexing. This feature allows users to look for local files using more conversational language. 

As with other AI functionalities from Microsoft, it requires a Copilot Plus PC. This feature applies across different interfaces including in the Settings, the taskbar, and File Explorer. 

Significantly, it operates without an internet connection which is possible because of the NPU chips that are incorporated into Copilot Plus devices. At this stage, the AI search is only confined to Windows settings and files in some specific formats such as JPEG, PNG, PDF, TXT, and XLS. 

Microsoft has clarified that the search feature is limited to files that are located in user-designated indexed areas. Users can also make changes to these locations through Settings and then Privacy & Security and then Searching Windows. 

Users can also opt for Enhanced Settings to index their entire system. The company also notes that future updates will extend to include cloud data that includes files that are stored in OneDrive. 

The rollout of AI-powered Windows Search is ready to gradually reach Windows Insiders using Snapdragon-based Copilot+ PCs, with plans to support Intel and AMD Copilot Plus machines later on. This feature will be in sync with the systems that are configured in English, Chinese, German, French, Spanish and Japanese.

Alongside the new search capabilities, this build introduces AI writing tools through Click to Do. This feature permits users to access context-sensitive menus by clicking the Windows key and left-clicking on the screen. 

When opting for a block of text and selecting the Rewrite option, users will not find a Refine feature that can help them correct grammatical mistakes.