Microsoft is diving deeper into artificial intelligence (AI) integration by testing an innovative AI-powered search capability on Windows 11, available for dev channel Windows Insider testers. This cutting-edge feature brings the promising power of semantic indexing directly to local file search, changing how users access information stored on their devices. If you’re one for staying ahead of Windows innovation, you might want to hold onto your seat—this feature is a tech milestone worth exploring.
Here’s everything you need to know about this experimental feature, its functionality, and its future direction.
The new AI-based search tool leverages "semantic indexing," a technology designed to understand the meaning behind your searches, rather than just matching specific keywords. Picture what we do with casual, natural phrases like, “What’s the PDF on climate data I worked on last month?” Without semantic indexing, the search system scans for rigid matches to these terms. Now with AI, the search knows you’re looking for that specific file title or format even if you phrase it conversationally.
Currently supported formats include JPEG, PNG, PDF, TXT, and XLS, with plans for expanding its range in the future.
Not running a Snapdragon-based Copilot Plus PC? No worries—Microsoft plans to extend compatibility to Intel and AMD processors soon.
Fun thought: Imagine similar AI features eventually working offline but holding their own, like editing video with Adobe AI tools while flying on airplane mode.
Nonetheless, the technology, the concept, and the highly practical applications provide reasons to get excited. The AI search feature doesn’t just seem like a widget to throw into marketing campaigns—it’s a demonstration of where AI can actually simplify tech without being intrusive.
Stay tuned to WindowsForum.com for more updates on groundbreaking Windows features, insider scoops, and AI applications reshaping your OS experience!
Source: Tempo.co English Microsoft Tests AI-Based Search Feature in Windows, Here's How It's Used
Here’s everything you need to know about this experimental feature, its functionality, and its future direction.
What Is This AI-Based Search Feature All About?
The new AI-based search tool leverages "semantic indexing," a technology designed to understand the meaning behind your searches, rather than just matching specific keywords. Picture what we do with casual, natural phrases like, “What’s the PDF on climate data I worked on last month?” Without semantic indexing, the search system scans for rigid matches to these terms. Now with AI, the search knows you’re looking for that specific file title or format even if you phrase it conversationally.Currently supported formats include JPEG, PNG, PDF, TXT, and XLS, with plans for expanding its range in the future.
The Hardware Factor: Copilot Plus
Here’s the kicker—this feature doesn’t rely on an always-on internet connection. Instead, it taps into an embedded Neural Processing Unit (NPU) chip found on Microsoft's Copilot Plus devices. Think of it as having a tiny, brainy AI core in your PC that performs intense computational tasks without involving the cloud. For hardware buffs, this means enhanced privacy, reduced latency, and blazing-fast AI functionality.Not running a Snapdragon-based Copilot Plus PC? No worries—Microsoft plans to extend compatibility to Intel and AMD processors soon.
How to Use This New Feature
If you’re a Windows Insider tester with the necessary device, here are the basics on how to try out this AI-powered search:1. Search Integration
- This feature operates through familiar entry points like the search box in Settings, File Explorer, or the taskbar. Whether you’re tweaking privacy controls in Configurations or hunting through files, the intuitive search experience remains consistent.
2. Index Management
- AI-based search is limited to files in locations indexed by the user. Configure file locations via:
- Settings > Privacy & Security > Searching Windows.
- For larger search scopes, activate the Enhanced option. This indexes your entire computer, making every nook and cranny searchable.
3. Language Support and Accessibility
- Current support includes six languages: English, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish. Microsoft promises that more localized languages will be added as the feature matures.
4. Future Cloud Integration
- While the current setup is rooted in local file searches only, Microsoft aims to include support for cloud-storage data like OneDrive in future updates. Once integrated, you'll be able to search both locally stored files and cloud-connected documents seamlessly.
Innovative Add-Ons: Click to Do and Grammar Refinement
Alongside AI search, Microsoft is also working on novel functionalities aimed at enhancing your workflow:- Click to Do
- A convenient shortcut where you left-click while pressing the Windows key to bring up a quick actions menu. This feature is perfect for productivity ninjas who love shaving off milliseconds.
- Rewrite: Refine Option
- This update brings grammar-checking strength to your fingertips. The "Refine" tool in the Rewrite menu automatically analyzes and improves sentence structure, ensuring your written communication remains polished.
Broader Implications of AI Search in the OS
So, why does this matter for the future of Windows and beyond? Here are some broader thoughts on where this is heading:1. Local AI Processing: A Game-Changer?
The impressive aspect of this feature is its local computation using NPU chips rather than cloud dependency. Processors like Snapdragon's hardware offer privacy-conscious and energy-efficient AI functionality. While cloud-based AI functions are often limited by bandwidth or online accessibility, local AI like this carves a future that empowers users with faster responses, less reliance on servers, and a predictable layer of data security.Fun thought: Imagine similar AI features eventually working offline but holding their own, like editing video with Adobe AI tools while flying on airplane mode.
2. Privacy-Centric Search
Currently, semantic AI indexing is applied solely to files on your machine accessed via system indexing protocols. This local-first approach aligns with growing demand for privacy-respecting functionality. It avoids unregulated back-and-forth communications with remote servers. Sure, locations like OneDrive seem omnipresent, but letting users choose where algorithms crawl is a welcome, intentional approach.What Does It Take to Join the Fun?
As of now, this feature is exclusive to Windows Insider testers with the necessary hardware, meaning experimental-only territory. Windows Insiders will receive the rollout gradually, prioritizing Snapdragon Copilot Plus PCs before expanding the rollout to Intel and AMD chips.Final Thoughts: Is AI Search a Revolution or Evolution?
From the looks of it, Microsoft is peeling back the layers of traditional computing, starting right in the belly of its OS—the humble file search bar. How well this experiment sticks will depend on user feedback, performance tests, and the company bridging hardware exclusivity into a universal experience.Nonetheless, the technology, the concept, and the highly practical applications provide reasons to get excited. The AI search feature doesn’t just seem like a widget to throw into marketing campaigns—it’s a demonstration of where AI can actually simplify tech without being intrusive.
Question for the forum: What unique use cases do you think this feature might bring to Windows users in the future? Could locally embedded AI searches replace or even beat Google Desktop and other cumbersome external tools? Let’s discuss.
Stay tuned to WindowsForum.com for more updates on groundbreaking Windows features, insider scoops, and AI applications reshaping your OS experience!
Source: Tempo.co English Microsoft Tests AI-Based Search Feature in Windows, Here's How It's Used
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