Microsoft Tests AI-Powered Search in Windows 11

AI-Powered Windows Search: A Revolution in File Revelation

Microsoft is poised to redefine the way we interact with our files with the introduction of AI-powered Windows search. This groundbreaking feature, currently undergoing testing for Windows 11 Insider users with Copilot Plus PCs, promises to transform how we locate and manage digital content.

imagine saying something like,”Find my presentation from last week’s meeting” instead of wrestling with complex keyword searches. This is the power of semantic search, and Microsoft is bringing it to the forefront of the Windows experience.

Announced in October, this AI-driven search leverages the NPU chip in copilot Plus PCs to locally index files. this means you can search for documents even when you’re offline, unlocking a world of possibilities for finding information quickly and efficiently.

Initially, this AI-powered search will be integrated into Settings, File Explorer, and the Windows 11 taskbar. It currently supports a variety of file formats, including JPEG, PNG, PDF, TXT, and XLS. users have the adaptability to choose specific folders for indexing or opt for the “Enhanced” option to index their entire computer.

Microsoft’s vision extends beyond local indexing. The company aims to seamlessly integrate this AI-powered search with cloud storage services like OneDrive, allowing you to access and locate files stored in the cloud with the same ease as those on your local drive.

For now, this advanced search functionality is exclusive to Copilot Plus PCs equipped with Snapdragon processors. However, Microsoft plans to make this powerful tool accessible to a wider audience by bringing it to PCs with Intel and AMD processors in a future update.

AI Makes Writing Easier in Windows 11

Windows 11 is getting a major upgrade with the addition of AI-powered features that are going to change the way we interact with our computers. One of the most exciting additions is the ability to search for files using natural language. No more struggling to remember exact keywords – you can simply type in a phrase like “Find my presentation from last week’s meeting,” and Windows will do the rest.

This new AI-powered search technology runs locally on your device, powered by the NPU chip in Copilot Plus PCs. That means you can search even when you’re offline.Initially, this feature will be available in Settings, File Explorer, and the Windows 11 taskbar and will support common file types like JPEG, PNG, PDF, TXT, and XLS.

But the AI assistance doesn’t stop at searching. Microsoft is also introducing a powerful new tool called Click to Do, which integrates directly into the Windows writing experience.

Imagine selecting a block of text and then choosing “Refine” to automatically correct grammar or “Rewrite” to rephrase a sentence for clarity. That’s the power of Click to Do – it leverages the latest AI advancements to make writing easier and more efficient.

The Future of User Experience: AI-Powered Editing

Microsoft is making important strides in enhancing user experience through the integration of artificial intelligence. A prime example is their recent addition, Click to Do, a feature designed to revolutionize the way we edit text.

Alexa Hart, a Microsoft representative, describes Click to Do as “an exciting addition” that empowers users to edit text more effectively. “Select text, and choose ‘refine’ to automatically correct grammar, or ‘Rewrite’ to rephrase a sentence for clarity,” she explains. “It’s all about making everyday tasks a bit easier and more intuitive.”

This emphasis on user-friendliness reflects Microsoft’s broader commitment to creating a more seamless computing experience. “This really underscores Microsoft’s commitment to creating a more user-friendly computing experience,” observes Archyde in an interview with Hart. “What can we expect in the future as AI technology advances?”

Hart paints a picture of continued innovation, stating, “We’re constantly exploring new ways to integrate AI to enhance the user experience. As AI technology continues to advance, we expect to see even more powerful and transformative features emerge, reshaping how we interact with our devices.”

Thoughts? Share yours in the comments below!

How will the integration with cloud storage services like OneDrive enhance the AI-powered Windows search experiance?

[Archyde Exclusive] Interview with Microsoft’s Senior Program Manager for Search Experiences,Alex Hart

Archyde,Jan 21,2025

Archyde (A): Today,we have the privilege of speaking with alex hart,Senior Program Manager for Search Experiences at Microsoft. Welcome, Alex!

Alex Hart (AH): Thank you, I’m glad to be hear.

A: Let’s dive right in. microsoft is set to transform file management with AI-powered Windows Search. Can you tell us more about this revolutionary feature?

AH: absolutely. We’re really excited about this. AI-powered Windows Search is designed to make finding files on your PC as intuitive and efficient as possible. It’s powered by semantic search, which understands context and meaning behind your queries, making it smarter and more human-like than traditional search methods.

A: So,instead of typing in specific keywords,users can search using natural language?

AH: Exactly! Imagine saying something like,”Find my presentation from last week’s meeting,” rather than trying to remember the exact file name or keywords. That’s the power of semantic search.

A: That’s certainly a game-changer. Now,we understand that this feature leverages the NPU chip in Copilot Plus PCs for local indexing. How does this improve the search experience?

AH: The NPU, or Neural Processing Unit, allows for significantly faster and more efficient processing of complex search tasks right on your device. This means you can search for documents even when you’re offline, which isn’t always possible with cloud-based searches. It also ensures your personal data remains private, as all processing happens locally.

A: That’s a meaningful advantage, especially for users concerned about data privacy. How will this new search feature be integrated into Windows 11?

AH: Initially, users will find AI-powered windows Search integrated into key locations like Settings, File Explorer, and the Windows 11 taskbar. We want to make sure it’s easily accessible from where users spend most of their time. It currently supports a variety of file formats, from images like JPEG and PNG, to documents like PDF, TXT, and XLS.

A: That’s quite an extensive range. Will users have control over what gets indexed?

AH: Yes, we want to give users maximum control. They can choose specific folders for indexing, or opt for the “Enhanced” option to index their entire computer. It’s all about providing a tailored experience that respects user preferences.

A: Microsoft’s vision seems to extend beyond local file search. Can you tell us more about the integration with cloud storage services like OneDrive?

AH: Absolutely. Our ultimate goal is to make sure you can find any file, regardless of where it’s stored – on your device or in the cloud. We’re working to seamlessly integrate AI-powered search with services like onedrive, so you can access and locate your cloud-stored files with the same ease as your local ones.

A: That’s a powerful vision. When can we expect to see this feature widely available?

AH: We’re currently in the testing phase with Windows Insiders using Copilot Plus PCs. We’re collecting valuable feedback to help refine and improve the experience. We aim to roll out the feature more broadly later this year.

A: Well, color us excited! Alex, thank you so much for joining us today and giving us a sneak peek into this revolutionary feature.

AH: My pleasure. We can’t wait for everyone to start experiencing the power of AI-powered Windows Search. Stay tuned!

Archyde, signing off