Microsoft has begun testing a new AI-powered search feature for Windows 11, which allows users to find local files using more casual language. The feature is available on dev channel builds for Windows 11 Insider testers and requires a Copilot Plus PC.
The search functionality can be used across multiple interfaces, including Settings, File Explorer, and the taskbar, without an internet connection due to the NPU chips on Copilot Plus computers. Currently, AI-powered search only works with files in specific formats, such as JPEG, PNG, PDF, TXT, and XLS, and limited locations.
Users can customize index locations using Settings > Privacy & security > Searching Windows, allowing future expansion to include cloud data stored in OneDrive. The feature will eventually roll out to Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, with Intel or AMD support later. It is available for users who choose from Chinese, English, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish languages.
The latest build also introduces AI writing tools via Click to Do, offering context-sensitive menus and grammar correction options when selecting the “Rewrite” feature on a block of text.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/18/24346770/microsoft-testing-windows-ai-search-copilot-plus-pcs