Have you ever been frustrated trying to find that one file or buried setting in Windows? We’ve all been there. But, if you’re a Windows 11 user, things might be about to get a whole lot easier—provided you're rocking the right kind of hardware. Microsoft has unveiled an advanced AI-powered Windows Search upgrade, and here’s everything you need to know.
However, here’s the kicker: this upgraded Windows Search feature is currently available only for select Windows Insiders using Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs. Essentially, Microsoft is testing this tool on hardware that boasts NPUs (Neural Processing Units) capable of performing AI operations at staggering speeds, leveraging Qualcomm's Snapdragon processors.
With an NPU on board, your PC gains the ability to process complex AI algorithms locally—independent of Internet connectivity. Whether you're searching for a file offline or trying to find the right setting, your PC doesn’t need to reach out to the cloud for help. Speedy, offline performance? Yes, please!
Microsoft is embedding this AI intelligence across the board:
Settings → Privacy & security → Searching Windows → Select or enable “Enhanced” indexing for your entire PC.
Big news: Microsoft is already planning to roll this feature out for cloud services like OneDrive and even other cloud storage solutions. Imagine querying photos or documents stored in the cloud with the same fluidity—searching for that elusive "2023 tax folder on OneDrive" might no longer bring about existential dread!
The delay likely comes down to one thing: hardware readiness. Traditional architectures from Intel and AMD don’t yet carry dedicated NPUs (though hybrid solutions like Intel’s Movidius or AMD’s AI-on-GPU tech might be leveraged in the future). For now, Snapdragon's AI-first design gives it an edge in these early Copilot+ capabilities.
Whether you're frustrated with traditional search or simply intrigued by AI advancements, one thing is clear: Microsoft is moving full-speed towards an AI-first computing experience.
But here's the real question: is this enhanced Windows Search feature a game-changer, or just a flashy gimmick? Share your thoughts right here on WindowsForum.com! Is it everything you've been waiting for, or do the hardware restrictions feel like a deal-breaker? Let the discussion begin.
Source: Tom's Guide https://www.tomsguide.com/ai/microsoft-is-bringing-big-upgrades-to-windows-search-for-copilot-pcs-heres-what-we-know
AI-Powered Windows Search: What's the Big Deal?
As part of its broader push into AI-driven features, Microsoft is reinventing Windows Search, aiming to simplify the way users locate files, settings, or even specific content within those files. Whether you’re looking for a photo from last summer’s beach vacation or a setting buried under multiple menus, this new feature promises to surface the correct results quickly and effortlessly.However, here’s the kicker: this upgraded Windows Search feature is currently available only for select Windows Insiders using Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs. Essentially, Microsoft is testing this tool on hardware that boasts NPUs (Neural Processing Units) capable of performing AI operations at staggering speeds, leveraging Qualcomm's Snapdragon processors.
The Power of 40 TOPS NPUs: What’s Under the Hood?
The Snapdragon X Elite processor, on which these upgraded search tools are being tested, features an NPU delivering 40 TOPS (Trillions of Operations Per Second). These NPUs are specialized processors for executing AI and machine learning tasks. Unlike general-purpose CPUs or even GPUs, NPUs are optimized for massive parallel computations, making them perfect for tasks like semantic indexing, deep learning workloads, and AI-based predictions—all critical for turning Windows Search into a more intuitive assistant.With an NPU on board, your PC gains the ability to process complex AI algorithms locally—independent of Internet connectivity. Whether you're searching for a file offline or trying to find the right setting, your PC doesn’t need to reach out to the cloud for help. Speedy, offline performance? Yes, please!
How the AI Overhaul Changes Windows Search
The headline feature of this AI upgrade is semantic indexing. To understand what that means, let’s compare it with traditional search:- Traditional Search: You need to recall the file name or the exact wording of a setting to retrieve it.
- Semantic Search: It "understands" your intent or the context of your request, even if the wording isn’t exact.
Microsoft is embedding this AI intelligence across the board:
- Taskbar Search: Queries will yield smarter and more accurate results immediately.
- File Explorer: No longer will you need broad guesses and endless folder digging for specific files.
- Settings: Complex settings can be found with plain-English queries.
Search Right Where It Matters: File Types and Indexing Options
Currently, this feature supports an impressive variety of formats including, but not limited to:Documents
.txt.pdf.docx,.doc.pptx,.ppt.xls,.xlsx
Images
.jpeg/.jpg.png.gif.bmp.ico
Settings → Privacy & security → Searching Windows → Select or enable “Enhanced” indexing for your entire PC.
Big news: Microsoft is already planning to roll this feature out for cloud services like OneDrive and even other cloud storage solutions. Imagine querying photos or documents stored in the cloud with the same fluidity—searching for that elusive "2023 tax folder on OneDrive" might no longer bring about existential dread!
What’s Holding Back AMD and Intel Users?
If you’re itching to try out this feature on your Intel or AMD-powered device, you’re going to need some patience. While this version of Windows Search is being prioritized for PCs equipped with Snapdragon processors (and their blazing NPUs), Microsoft reassures that support for Intel and AMD Copilot+ PCs is incoming.The delay likely comes down to one thing: hardware readiness. Traditional architectures from Intel and AMD don’t yet carry dedicated NPUs (though hybrid solutions like Intel’s Movidius or AMD’s AI-on-GPU tech might be leveraged in the future). For now, Snapdragon's AI-first design gives it an edge in these early Copilot+ capabilities.
Windows 11 Expands While Windows 10 Declines
This shift to AI-backed features is part of Microsoft's push to entice users into upgrading to Windows 11. Despite Windows 10 hurtling towards end of support in October 2025, adoption of Windows 11 remains tepid. As of recent counts:- 62% of Windows users still use Windows 10.
- Only 34% have migrated to Windows 11.
Other Quality-of-Life Updates in Windows 11
Microsoft isn’t stopping at an AI glow-up for Windows Search. Some other intriguing features being tested include:- Displaying your PC battery percentage directly on the Taskbar for convenience.
- Additional enhancements across File Explorer, Settings, and Microsoft 365 apps for seamless integration of AI-powered Copilot.
Final Thoughts: An AI Future for Windows Search
The leap from traditional indexing to semantic AI-powered search has endless potential to change the way we interact with our devices. While it's currently reserved for innovative Snapdragon-powered setups, the promise of wider adoption—along with integration into cloud systems like OneDrive—makes this one feature worth keeping tabs on.Whether you're frustrated with traditional search or simply intrigued by AI advancements, one thing is clear: Microsoft is moving full-speed towards an AI-first computing experience.
But here's the real question: is this enhanced Windows Search feature a game-changer, or just a flashy gimmick? Share your thoughts right here on WindowsForum.com! Is it everything you've been waiting for, or do the hardware restrictions feel like a deal-breaker? Let the discussion begin.
Source: Tom's Guide https://www.tomsguide.com/ai/microsoft-is-bringing-big-upgrades-to-windows-search-for-copilot-pcs-heres-what-we-know
