Microsoft is launching one of the most anticipated Windows features

Microsoft released an update that offers A first look at the improved search in Windows 11. This feature uses artificial intelligence to access files, settings, etc. without having to enter your full name. The tech giant wants to put an end to one of the biggest problems the operating system has been facing for years.

According to an official blog post, Microsoft has released a new version of Windows 11 as part of the Insider program. While the build includes many additions, the most notable feature is improved search, a feature introduced during the Ignite 2024 conference.

New Windows 11 Search uses artificial intelligence models to search files for related words and phrases.. This is made possible by semantic indexing, a technology that improves the accuracy and relevance of search results by understanding the meaning and context of words in a query.

This allows the system to interpret the purpose of search queriesrather than relying solely on exact keyword matches. For example, a search for “sunset bridge” will return matching image files, even if the file names or metadata do not explicitly contain those terms.

Likewise, searching for “Europe Travel Budget” will find relevant documents based on their content, regardless of the specific file names. The functionality extends to restoring the configuration.which allows users to find system settings using descriptive queries such as “change my theme.”

How to enable enhanced search in Windows 11

Windows 11 improved search works through multiple interfacesincluding File Explorer, the taskbar search box, and the Settings app. Users can set up indexed locations via Configuration > Privacy and Security > Search in Windowswith the ability to “extend” indexing to cover the entire local storage.

It’s important to note that the original implementation limits the search to locally stored files in indexed places. Microsoft said that cloud storage providers such as OneDrive or Google Drive will be integrated in a later update.

Supported file formats for document searching include .txt, .pdf, .docx, .doc, .rtf, .pptx, .ppt, .xls, and .xlsx. Although image search supports .jpg/.jpeg, .png, .gif, .bmp and .ico formats.

Microsoft has limited this feature to new Copilot+ computers.because a special neural processing unit (NPU) of Snapdragon chips is used for semantic indexing. According to technology, hardware performs local processingallowing the search function to work offline. Microsoft has promised to expand it to other computers with Intel and AMD chips in the future.

To access improved search in Windows 11, you’ll need to subscribe to the Insider program and download build 26120.2992 (KB5050083), available on the Dev channel.