Windows 11 Build 26100.3624: AI-Driven Search for Copilot+ PCs

Windows 11 is taking another bold step toward a more intelligent, intuitive user experience. With Build 26100.3624 rolling out in the Release Preview Channel, Microsoft is upgrading Windows Search—but with an exclusive twist. Only Copilot+ PCs get this advanced treatment for now, ushering in a new era of AI-driven search capabilities powered by a combination of semantic indexing models and traditional lexical methods.

AI-Enhanced Search That Understands You​

Gone are the days when finding a file meant memorizing exact filenames or puzzling over cryptic settings names. The new Windows Search leverages advanced semantic indexing to interpret natural language queries. Ask something as conversational as “change my theme” directly within the Settings app, and the system intelligently delivers the relevant control panel options without requiring precise wording.
Highlights include:

• Natural language search capability using semantic indexing
• Integration of traditional lexical indexing for robust results
• Seamless querying across documents, photos, and settings

This shift reflects a major evolution in Windows search—one that aligns with broader trends in AI integration across operating systems. By focusing on how users actually communicate and think about the tasks at hand, Microsoft is creating a more responsive and contextually aware environment.

The Hardware Edge: NPUs Fueling Smarter Search​

At the heart of this upgrade is the dedicated hardware found in Copilot+ PCs. Specifically, these devices come equipped with Neural Processing Units (NPUs) boasting over 40 Trillion Operations Per Second (TOPS). This hardware accelerates the advanced indexing processes, enabling seamless performance even when offline.
Key points:

• Copilot+ PCs use NPUs to execute semantic searches even without an internet connection
• The initial rollout is on Snapdragon-based devices, while AMD and Intel models are set to follow
• Enhanced search feature performance underscores the benefits of specialized hardware in modern computing

The decision to harness NPUs not only improves responsiveness but also underscores a broader commitment to specialized AI hardware. Such advancements may pave the way for increasingly sophisticated on-device processing capabilities, which could ultimately influence other core aspects of Windows functionality.

Bridging Local and Cloud: A Unified Search Experience​

In another step toward streamlining the user experience, the update extends its reach to images stored in the cloud. Now, when you perform a search in File Explorer using descriptive terms (say, “summer picnics”), both local and cloud-stored photos grace the results. This integration represents a notable improvement, ensuring that regardless of where your data lives, it can be easily retrieved.
Highlights include:

• Consolidated search results from both local and cloud storage
• Improved retrieval speed and accuracy, thanks to AI-driven search algorithms
• A more unified Windows experience that reduces friction when accessing diverse data types

This feature not only simplifies digital life for users juggling both local files and cloud backups but also fosters a more cohesive ecosystem, smoothly blending various data sources under a single, smart search interface.

Early Access Through Windows Insiders​

Windows Build 26100.3624 is presently available in the Release Preview Channel for Windows Insiders. Early adopters with Copilot+ PCs can now experiment with these advanced search features and provide valuable feedback.
What does this mean for the broader Windows community?

• It mirrors Microsoft’s iterative approach to rolling out next-generation features
• Early feedback will likely influence broader deployment to other PC categories
• The ongoing improvements illustrate a commitment to integrating AI more deeply into Every day Windows usage

Transitioning from the experimental phase to widespread adoption will be an interesting journey for Microsoft. The feedback loop from Windows Insiders is expected to fine-tune these functionalities, ensuring that when the update finally reaches AMD and Intel-powered devices, it performs flawlessly.

Expert Analysis and Future Outlook​

Microsoft’s latest upgrade signals its steadfast intent to fuse AI seamlessly into everyday OS interactions. In an era when users expect instant, context-aware responses from their devices, the enhanced Windows Search is a welcome upgrade. However, it’s important to note that the improvements are currently limited to a select group of devices. While this exclusivity might initially fragment the user base, it also allows Microsoft to optimize performance under controlled conditions.
A few aspects to consider:

• How will the phased rollout impact user experience on non-Copilot+ machines?
• Will the advanced search features set a new benchmark that pressure competitors to innovate similarly?
• Can the integration of NPUs in everyday computations lead to further enhancements beyond just search?

These questions highlight the broader implications of Microsoft’s AI push in Windows 11. By leaning into natural language processing and specialized hardware, Microsoft not only enhances usability but also sets new benchmarks that could reshape traditional operating system performance.

Conclusion​

The latest update to Windows Search in Build 26100.3624 is more than just an aesthetic or incremental improvement—it represents a significant leap toward making Windows more intuitive, responsive, and aligned with modern AI trends. With natural language capabilities, offline performance boosted by NPUs, and seamless integration of local and cloud data, this update promises to transform how users interact with their devices. Early access on Copilot+ PCs is only the beginning, and as Microsoft fine-tunes these features based on real-world feedback, the entire Windows ecosystem stands to benefit.
Windows Insiders and tech enthusiasts alike will be keeping a keen eye on how these changes evolve, potentially setting the stage for a future where intelligent and context-aware computing becomes the new norm.

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Source: MSPoweruser Windows Search is finally getting an upgrade, but only on Copilot+ PCs for now