Since the introduction of natural language processing into everyday software experiences, the quest for intuitive search tools has been relentless. With the debut of Semantic Search on Windows Copilot+ PCs, Microsoft is taking a significant step forward, promising to change how users locate files, settings, and data on their devices. The ability to describe what you remember—rather than hunting for exact file names—could make lost data and forgotten documents a thing of the past. But how well does this feature work in practice? Who actually gets to use it, and just how “smart” is this much-advertised search? Drawing from direct usage reports, Microsoft’s own statements, and independent technical analysis, this feature article aims to deliver a comprehensive overview of Semantic Search on Copilot+ PCs, examining its potential and its pitfalls for Windows users.
For decades, search on Windows has reflected the strengths—and limitations—of the platform’s core architecture. Windows 11 made notable strides with its universal search bar, integrating results from files, apps, web content, and system settings. Yet, users still found themselves stymied when vague recollections didn’t neatly align with filenames or folder structures.
With the launch of Semantic Search, Microsoft claims to make those limitations obsolete, at least for Copilot+ PCs. According to official Microsoft documentation and early adopters, Semantic Search leverages advanced natural language processing to understand the general context and intent behind your query, delivering results based on meaning rather than strict keyword matching.
AMD and Intel variants of Copilot+ hardware are expected to receive the update “soon,” but as of recent reporting, only Qualcomm-based models have official, stable access. Microsoft first introduced Semantic Search to testers in the Windows Insider Dev Channel in January 2025, before gradually pushing it to general availability for select devices.
What about older or non-Copilot+ hardware? Microsoft has been explicit: Semantic Search is architected for the Neural Processing Unit (NPU) found in Copilot+ PCs. These NPUs handle AI tasks much more efficiently than CPUs or even GPUs, and Microsoft warns that running similar features on unsupported devices would likely result in significant performance and battery life hits. At the time of writing, there are no official workarounds for non-Copilot+ PCs, and reports of unofficial hacks should be treated with healthy skepticism until verified by reputable sources.
Within this configuration pane, users can monitor indexing progress—an essential step, since incomplete indexes will hamper the effectiveness of semantic queries.
Semantic Search understands queries about documents, images, and even system functions, spanning a range of search boxes:
However, the technology is not infallible. As noted by testers from sites like HT Tech, semantic object recognition (such as “all cat images”) can still misfire, occasionally surfacing unrelated files even when relevant ones exist locally. This is a clear sign that image content analysis and object detection remain works in progress—something Microsoft acknowledges.
Advances in on-device AI processing, especially as more powerful NPUs become standard on consumer hardware, will likely expand the reach of these tools to a broader range of PCs. There is industry analysis suggesting that “Copilot” as a brand and service set will increasingly blur the line between system-level AI helpers and direct user productivity, especially as Microsoft brings Copilot to Office, Edge, and more.
However, widespread adoption hinges on two factors: the expansion of NPU-equipped hardware, and Microsoft’s ability to maintain performance and privacy standards as features scale up.
Still, as with any new AI-driven feature, Semantic Search is far from finished. Users’ experiences will improve as Microsoft delivers on its promise of better semantic understanding, wider compatibility, and richer integration—not just within its own ecosystem, but with the broader universe of cloud and local data. For now, Semantic Search offers a glimpse of the truly natural interaction Microsoft envisions for the future of Windows, even as it reminds us how much work remains to be done.
As rollout velocity increases and the diversity of supported hardware grows, Semantic Search could become the new normal by which all Windows search tools are judged. For today’s early adopters, however, it is both a useful upgrade and an exciting sign of what’s coming next in intelligent computing on Windows PCs.
Source: HT Tech How to use Semantic Search on Windows Copilot+ PCs
The Evolution of Search in Windows
For decades, search on Windows has reflected the strengths—and limitations—of the platform’s core architecture. Windows 11 made notable strides with its universal search bar, integrating results from files, apps, web content, and system settings. Yet, users still found themselves stymied when vague recollections didn’t neatly align with filenames or folder structures.With the launch of Semantic Search, Microsoft claims to make those limitations obsolete, at least for Copilot+ PCs. According to official Microsoft documentation and early adopters, Semantic Search leverages advanced natural language processing to understand the general context and intent behind your query, delivering results based on meaning rather than strict keyword matching.
Who Gets Semantic Search: Device Eligibility and Rollout Status
Semantic Search is not universally available—at least not yet. Official information as cited by HT Tech clarifies that, as of mid-2024, the rollout of Semantic Search is limited to Copilot+ PCs powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon processors, specifically those running supported Windows 11 builds (build 26100.3775 or later). This exclusivity is validated by the distinctive “AI-powered” magnifying glass icon (embellished with two stars) found in the search bar on supported devices.AMD and Intel variants of Copilot+ hardware are expected to receive the update “soon,” but as of recent reporting, only Qualcomm-based models have official, stable access. Microsoft first introduced Semantic Search to testers in the Windows Insider Dev Channel in January 2025, before gradually pushing it to general availability for select devices.
What about older or non-Copilot+ hardware? Microsoft has been explicit: Semantic Search is architected for the Neural Processing Unit (NPU) found in Copilot+ PCs. These NPUs handle AI tasks much more efficiently than CPUs or even GPUs, and Microsoft warns that running similar features on unsupported devices would likely result in significant performance and battery life hits. At the time of writing, there are no official workarounds for non-Copilot+ PCs, and reports of unofficial hacks should be treated with healthy skepticism until verified by reputable sources.
Enabling and Using Semantic Search: First Steps
For those with a supported Copilot+ device, Semantic Search is enabled by default. Microsoft’s guidance stresses the importance of comprehensive local file indexing to ensure optimal results. To maximize search accuracy, users are encouraged to switch Windows search indexing to ‘Enhanced’ mode, which includes the entire file system rather than just default locations. This can be done by navigating to:Settings > Privacy & Security > Searching WindowsWithin this configuration pane, users can monitor indexing progress—an essential step, since incomplete indexes will hamper the effectiveness of semantic queries.
Where and How Semantic Search Works on Windows
A key advantage of Semantic Search is its integration across multiple areas of Windows. Early test builds limited certain capabilities to specific search boxes (for example, a settings-related query would only be actionable in the Settings app’s search bar). However, with the April 2024 build, Microsoft appears to have eradicated most of these inconsistencies. Now, consistent natural language queries—such as “change the theme”—produce similar results whether entered in the Windows Start Menu/Search or directly in the Settings app.Semantic Search understands queries about documents, images, and even system functions, spanning a range of search boxes:
- Main Windows Search (taskbar/start menu)
- File Explorer search bar
- Settings app search field
Supported File Types and Languages
While the Semantic Search engine is designed to be versatile, its scope is, for now, intentionally limited to select file types and languages. According to Microsoft and third-party reporting, Semantic Search currently handles the following formats:Documents
- .txt, .pdf, .docx, .doc, .rtf, .pptx, .ppt, .xls, .xlsx
Images
- .jpg, .jpeg, .png, .gif, .bmp, .ico
Semantic Search in Practice: Performance, Strengths, and Shortcomings
Speed and Indexing
Initial user reports highlight the speed and smoothness of searches conducted under Enhanced mode, provided the indexing process is complete. Indexing large libraries or slow storage media can delay this readiness, but once finished, the search tool responds rapidly to natural language queries.Power Efficiency
Early testers consistently support Microsoft’s claim that NPUs deliver substantial power efficiency benefits. Running semantic or AI-powered search on CPU alone reportedly causes both increased battery drain and sluggish responsiveness—a key reason why the feature is exclusive to Copilot+ hardware with dedicated NPUs.Search Relevance
The move from keyword to meaning-based search surfaces nuanced strengths as well as notable limitations. For example, users typically no longer need to recall an exact file name or precise phrase. Vague queries like “that presentation with the budget chart” or “all photos from Paris trip” often yield relevant results, as long as files contain supporting metadata or content.However, the technology is not infallible. As noted by testers from sites like HT Tech, semantic object recognition (such as “all cat images”) can still misfire, occasionally surfacing unrelated files even when relevant ones exist locally. This is a clear sign that image content analysis and object detection remain works in progress—something Microsoft acknowledges.
Privacy Considerations
Microsoft asserts that all queries and search analytics are processed locally, with none of the user’s searches transmitted to the cloud or used for AI model training. For privacy-conscious users, this is a crucial distinction, especially in an era where cloud-stored and processed personal data is often the default. Users can validate this by monitoring network activity during searches (which remains low or absent during local queries), but caution is always warranted as updates and policy changes occur.Limitations and Known Issues
Semantic Search, while promising, is not without meaningful shortcomings:- Local search only: The technology currently does not extend its powers to the cloud—meaning OneDrive files, unless fully synced locally, are not included, despite Microsoft’s hints this is on the roadmap.
- Inconsistent accuracy for some query types: As illustrated by the “cat images” example, object detection and true semantic understanding are still being perfected.
- File type and language limitations: Only common office and image file types, and six languages, are supported in the initial release.
- Device restriction: Only available for Snapdragon-based Copilot+ devices, excluding a majority of current Windows PCs. AMD and Intel Copilot+ models are being tested, but general Windows 11 users are left out for now.
- No third-party extension: The feature does not (yet) integrate with third-party apps or cloud repositories such as Google Drive or Dropbox.
A Glimpse ahead: The Future of Semantic Search on Windows
Microsoft has been characteristically ambitious in its plans for Windows search. According to official presentations and developer briefings, the goal is eventually to unite local and cloud-based semantic search, integrating AI object detection and content awareness for all files, whether stored on device or in services such as OneDrive.Advances in on-device AI processing, especially as more powerful NPUs become standard on consumer hardware, will likely expand the reach of these tools to a broader range of PCs. There is industry analysis suggesting that “Copilot” as a brand and service set will increasingly blur the line between system-level AI helpers and direct user productivity, especially as Microsoft brings Copilot to Office, Edge, and more.
However, widespread adoption hinges on two factors: the expansion of NPU-equipped hardware, and Microsoft’s ability to maintain performance and privacy standards as features scale up.
Critical Outlook: Strengths, Risks, and Questions
Semantic Search represents a tangible leap for everyday productivity on Windows PCs, especially for users who manage large and sprawling data libraries. The potential to find the right document or setting by loosely described searches is a boon for the forgetful or the busy.Strengths
- Truly natural search: For the first time, plausible descriptions—not just keywords—surfaced files, documents, and images.
- Speed and efficiency: Harnessing dedicated NPUs ensures quick, battery-saving operation.
- Privacy controls: Local processing means fewer privacy compromises, at least in the current version.
- Continuous improvement: Frequent updates and the tight feedback loop of Windows Insider programs bode well for iterative refinements.
Caveats and Potential Risks
- Hardware gating: Users on non-Copilot+ or pre-NPU hardware are effectively locked out, potentially fragmenting the Windows ecosystem.
- Incomplete semantic comprehension: Until image and context analysis catch up with textual search, some queries will fail to deliver.
- Unknown roadmap for cloud and third-party integration: Until search extends seamlessly across both local and cloud data, full unification of search remains unfulfilled.
- Reliance on Microsoft’s update cadence: Only through routine, well-tested updates will Semantic Search meet the high reliability users will expect.
Final Takeaways
For those choosing a new Windows device in 2024 and beyond, the appeal of advanced Semantic Search may prove offering enough to push qualified buyers toward Copilot+ models. In independent tests and early user feedback, the technology is reliably helpful—once all prerequisites are met and expectations are set.Still, as with any new AI-driven feature, Semantic Search is far from finished. Users’ experiences will improve as Microsoft delivers on its promise of better semantic understanding, wider compatibility, and richer integration—not just within its own ecosystem, but with the broader universe of cloud and local data. For now, Semantic Search offers a glimpse of the truly natural interaction Microsoft envisions for the future of Windows, even as it reminds us how much work remains to be done.
As rollout velocity increases and the diversity of supported hardware grows, Semantic Search could become the new normal by which all Windows search tools are judged. For today’s early adopters, however, it is both a useful upgrade and an exciting sign of what’s coming next in intelligent computing on Windows PCs.
Source: HT Tech How to use Semantic Search on Windows Copilot+ PCs
