Microsoft has launched a significant update to Windows 11, bringing AI-powered search capabilities to Copilot+ PCs. This new feature, part of the March 2025 optional update for Windows 11 version 24H2, marks a notable advancement in how users interact with their devices and find information.
AI Search: A New Frontier for Windows
The AI-powered search feature leverages semantic indexing models alongside traditional lexical indexing. This allows users to find files, photos, and Windows settings using natural language prompts. The system utilizes the Neural Processing Units (NPUs) found in Copilot+ PCs, enabling offline functionality without the need for an internet connection.
Qualcomm-Powered Devices Lead the Way
Currently, this enhanced search experience is limited to Qualcomm-powered Copilot+ PCs. However, Microsoft has confirmed that support for AMD and Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs is in development and will be available soon.
How It Works
The new search functionality operates across multiple areas of the Windows 11 interface:
- File Explorer: Users can search for local documents and photos using descriptive language.
- Windows Search: The taskbar search now understands natural language queries.
- Settings App: Settings can be located by describing the desired function rather than knowing the exact setting name.
For example, instead of remembering exact file names or setting locations, users can type queries like “find my vacation photos from last summer” or “how do I change my desktop background?”
Additional Features in the March Update
While the AI-powered search is the headline feature, the update brings several other improvements:
Improved Accessibility
- Live Captions: Qualcomm-powered devices can now translate 26 languages into simplified Chinese in real-time.
- Voice Access: Now supports voice commands in Simplified and Traditional Chinese. Qualcomm-powered PCs allow for more natural language commands.
User Interface Enhancements
- Gamepad Keyboard Layout: A new touch keyboard layout optimized for Xbox controllers, improving text input for gamers.
- Emoji Button: Some devices will see a new emoji button in the taskbar’s system tray for quick access to the emoji panel.
- Windows Studio Effects: PCs with NPUs will display an icon in the system tray when using apps that support Windows Studio Effects.
EU-Specific Changes
- Widget Customization: Users in the EU can now add, remove, and rearrange lock screen widgets.
- Web Search Provider Support: Improved support for alternative web search providers in Windows Search for EEA users.
Performance and Management
- Task Manager: CPU usage calculation has been standardized across different pages for more consistent workload display.
- Feature Removals: The update removes the Suggested Actions feature and the Location History API previously used by Cortana.
Implications for Users
This update represents a significant shift in how users interact with their Windows devices. The AI-powered search aims to make information retrieval more intuitive and efficient, potentially saving time and reducing frustration for users who struggle with traditional file organization or setting navigation.
For Copilot+ PC owners, particularly those with Qualcomm-powered devices, this update offers immediate benefits. However, the phased rollout approach means that users with AMD or Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs will need to wait for future updates to access these features.
Looking Ahead
Microsoft’s focus on AI integration in Windows 11 signals a broader trend in operating system development. As AI capabilities become more sophisticated and widely available, we can expect to see further integration of intelligent features across the Windows ecosystem.
The optional nature of this update allows early adopters to test these new features, while the wider rollout planned for the April Patch Tuesday update will bring these improvements to a broader user base.
The introduction of AI-powered search in Windows 11 marks a significant step towards more intuitive and efficient computing experiences. As Microsoft continues to refine and expand these capabilities, users can look forward to a more responsive and understanding operating system.