Microsoft Initiates Testing for AI-Enhanced Search in Windows

Microsoft has begun testing an AI-powered search feature for Windows 11, aimed at improving file search capabilities using natural language, exclusively for Copilot Plus PC users.

Microsoft’s rolling out something pretty cool for Windows 11 Insiders—a new AI search feature that feels like chatting with your computer. Imagine asking, ‘Where’s that budget spreadsheet from last April?’ and actually getting an answer, no internet needed. Thanks to those nifty NPU chips in Copilot Plus PCs, this magic works in Settings, File Explorer, or right from your taskbar. (Yes, even when you’re offline.)

Right now, it’s all about local files—JPEGs, PDFs, you name it—but only if they’re in indexed folders. Want to search your whole system? Flip on the ‘Enhanced’ option in Settings. And hey, Microsoft’s teasing future updates to scoop in OneDrive files too. Because who doesn’t love a good cloud integration?

Snapdragon users get first dibs, but Intel and AMD folks won’t be left out for long. It speaks multiple languages (because computers are polyglots now), and there’s more: AI writing tools that fix your grammar or suggest better phrasing. Because sometimes, even our computers know we could use a little help.