Windows Search has remained mostly unchanged over the past two decades. This has finally changed, although not everyone will be able to experience the improved functionality.
Microsoft is dramatically upgrading the search experience on Windows 11 with the introduction of Semantic Indexing for Copilot+ PCs. This will allow you to find files, images, and settings using natural language, eliminating the need to remember specific file names or keywords. This feature relies heavily on the NPU found on Copilot+ PCs, so it’s unfortunate that we won’t see this feature on our regular PCs for the time being. With NPU, semantic indexing works alongside traditional indexing to understand the meaning behind your search queries. For example, you can now type phrases like “bridge at sunset” to locate photos or “Europe trip budget” to find related documents.
Currently, improved search capabilities support files saved locally in indexed locations. You can customize these locations in Settings, with the option to index your entire computer. Future updates will expand support to cloud storage providers like OneDrive. Additionally, searching for settings using natural language is currently limited to the Settings app, but will soon be available through the search box in the taskbar.
The enhanced search experience will begin rolling out gradually to Windows Insiders on Snapdragon Copilot+ PCs. Language support including Chinese, English, French, German, Japanese and Spanish is included initially. This feature supports popular document formats such as .pdf, .docx, and .pptx, as well as image formats such as .jpg, .png, and .gif.
This feature will first be available on Snapdragon-powered PCs before rolling out to x86-based systems later. It’s currently only available to Insiders, so it may take a while for it to appear for those using stable builds. It’s unfortunate that this feature is only for Copilot+ PCs, but since it relies on AI that runs locally, it makes sense. It also goes to show that we should be getting more and more features like this as Microsoft thinks of more ways to take advantage of NPU charging on PCs these days.
source: Microsoft