Microsoft Tests AI-Powered Search Feature in Windows 11 Insider Preview

Recently, in the Developer Channel builds for Windows 11 Insiders, Microsoft tested an AI-powered search feature for Windows. Announced last October, this feature uses semantic indexing to allow users to search for local files using more natural language. Like other AI features from Microsoft, this requires a Copilot Plus PC.

Regardless of whether users access the search box in Settings, File Explorer, or the taskbar, this feature is applicable. Thanks to the NPU chip in Copilot Plus PCs, this function can operate offline. Currently, AI search is limited to Windows settings and files in formats such as JPEG, PNG, PDF, TXT, and XLS.

Microsoft notes that the search function only applies to files within locations chosen by the user for indexing. Users can adjust these locations under "Search Windows" in Privacy & Security settings or enable the "Enhanced" option to index the entire device. The company also mentions that future updates will extend this functionality to include data stored in cloud services like OneDrive.

The AI-driven Windows search feature will "gradually roll out to Windows Insider users on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs," with subsequent support for Intel or AMD-based Copilot Plus devices. This feature supports operating systems in Chinese, English, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish.

In addition, this build includes an AI writing tool provided by Click to Do. When users press and hold the Windows key and left-click on the screen, it presents contextually relevant menu options. Now, when users click on a text block and select "Rewrite," a "Refine" option appears to help correct grammatical errors.