Exciting New Windows Search Features Roll Out – But Only for Copilot+ PCs!

In a significant update unveiled in the latest Dev Channel Windows Insider build, Microsoft has rolled out improved Windows Search functionalities—but there's a catch: you’ll need a Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PC to access these enhancements.

This much-anticipated update, found in build 26120.2992, promises to revolutionize the way users interact with search on Windows. Microsoft assures users that improvements will soon arrive for AMD and Intel-based Copilot+ PCs as well.

Windows Search has often been a source of frustration for users, with many jokes being made about its past performance. Historically, it has suffered from issues such as sluggishness, high CPU usage, and unexpected crashes affecting other applications like Outlook. Microsoft is addressing these long-standing grievances with new features that aim to streamline your experience.

The newest addition to Windows Search is semantic indexing, a move away from the traditional indexing methods that have plagued the service. Semantic indexing allows users to type natural phrases into the search box, fetching results that include documents closely related or relevant to the search terms. So, if you happen to search for "pasta," you might also see images of lasagna pop up, presuming they’re on your device.

One key point to note is that the new functionality currently only applies to locally stored content on the user’s PC and is limited to specific file types and locations controlled by the user. Microsoft has emphasized that no indexing data will be sent back to them or utilized for training AI models—ensuring privacy remains a priority.

Microsoft has hinted that an upcoming update may allow users to search for documents and photos stored in cloud services like OneDrive. However, for now, the search experience remains local and exclusive to Copilot+ PCs, which are equipped with a powerful Neural Processing Unit (NPU) that enhances performance significantly.

For those without Copilot+ PCs, fear not! Windows Insiders will still receive a variety of updates and fixes, including enhancements to File Explorer and a Task Manager update that corrects an issue misidentifying hard drives.

Stay informed about these developments, as Microsoft continues to evolve its software, making strides toward better performance and user satisfaction—just keep in mind that accessing these new features might require an upgrade to your hardware!

Conclusion

Is your PC ready for the future of Windows Search? Don’t miss out on this game-changing tech!