Microsoft is testing an exciting new AI-powered search feature in Windows 11 for Insider testers. This feature, first announced in October, uses semantic indexing to let you find local files just by typing casual phrases—no need to be super specific. However, you’ll need a PC with Copilot Plus to try it out.
This AI search works across different areas like the taskbar, Settings, and File Explorer. The cool part? It doesn’t need an internet connection, thanks to the NPU (neural processing unit) chips in Copilot Plus computers. For now, it only supports searching Windows settings and specific file types like JPEG, PNG, PDF, TXT, and XLS.
You can customize where the search looks by going to Settings > Privacy & security > Searching Windows. Want to make it search your entire computer? Just enable the “Enhanced” option. In the future, Microsoft plans to expand this feature to include cloud storage like OneDrive.
Right now, the feature is gradually being rolled out to Windows Insiders using Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs. Support for Intel and AMD Copilot Plus devices will come later. It’s available in several languages, including English, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish.
The update also includes another handy tool: AI-powered writing features called Click to Do. You can hold the Windows key and left-click to open a menu of options. If you select a block of text and click “Rewrite,” there’s now a “Refine” option that can fix grammar mistakes for you.
This AI integration is just one more way Microsoft is trying to make our lives easier—stay tuned for more updates!