Microsoft released a new Windows 11 Insider Preview build on Friday. The new update improves the Windows Search feature on Snapdragon-powered CoPilot+ PCs by adding support for semantic indexing. These artificial intelligence (AI) enabled tools will now support natural language or semantic searches for locally stored files. This means users can type conversational commands to view a particular file, image, or settings option. Microsoft also highlighted that the CoPilot-powered feature will come to AMD and Intel-based CoPilot+ PCs with a future update.
Windows 11 will add support for natural language search queries
In a blog post, Microsoft highlighted that the new feature is coming to PCs powered by Snapdragon X series chipsets. This feature is part of Windows 11 Insider Preview build 26120.2992 (KB5050083), which is currently available in the Dev Channel. It may take several weeks or months for this feature to be available to all users.
Traditionally, finding a file on Windows devices required typing specific keywords related to the file’s name. However, the new Windows Search on supported devices will also support semantic indexing. This means users can simply describe the file they’re looking for, and the CoPilot-powered device will be able to understand the context to find it.
Search feature is expected to be improved in Windows 11
Photo Credit: Microsoft
Users can use this feature in File Explorer, the Windows Search box placed on the taskbar, or in the Settings app. For example, users can type “bridge at sunset” to find images that include a sunset and a bridge. Similarly, users can type “change my theme” in Settings, and Copilot will be able to display the relevant settings. Notably, this feature operates locally, so it will work even if the device is not connected to the internet.
The feature has some limitations in its preview state. Currently, this feature will only work for files saved locally in indexed locations on the PC. Users can manually adjust indexed locations by going here settings , Privacy & Security , searching for windowsTurning on the Enhanced option will automatically index the entire PC. Microsoft said that in the future this feature can also be used to search documents and photos saved in cloud storage.
Similarly, Settings-related searches will only work within the Settings app. In the future, the tech giant will add the ability to search settings directly from the taskbar search box.
Additionally, the feature currently only supports Chinese, English, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish languages. It supports .txt, .pdf, .docx, .doc, .rtf, .pptx, .ppt, .xls, .xlsx formats and .jpg/.jpeg, .png, .gif, .bmp, .ico for documents. Also supports. Format for images.
