AI Search Takes Over Microsoft Windows
One of Windows’ weakest points will soon be addressed by Microsoft with the introduction of Windows Search AI.
Microsoft Uses AI to Speed Up File Search in Windows
Microsoft aims to enhance Windows Search with AI. The technology company announced a new implementation that will help us find files and documents faster on our computer, even if we don’t remember the exact name. This function will take advantage of a key feature of the hardware that powers Copilot, Microsoft’s artificial intelligence.
Microsoft Unveils AI Features at Ignite 2024
At Microsoft Ignite 2024, the Redmond giant announced multiple new features for its operating system and other company services. While the small computer that allows you to run Windows in the cloud stole the spotlight, the company showed other implementations that aim to improve the user experience .Microsoft aims to leverage its multi-million-dollar investment in OpenAI, so many of these options focus on AI.
Microsoft Aims to Fix Windows’ File Search Issues
Among the list of features that will debut in the coming months is one that solves one of the operating system’s oldest problems. Searching for files has never been Windows’ strong point. Despite introducing improvements in each release of the OS — including Cortana Microsoft fails to hit the nail on the head and users end up using tools like Power Toys, Wox or Ueli.
In an attempt to improve this feature, Microsoft will use AI models that take advantage of the computer’s neural processing unit (NPU). Windows Search will allow users to find files using associated words and phrases. If you want to locate a PDF or Word file, but can’t remember the name you saved it with, you’ll just need to use an associated word.
How the new Windows Search works
To do this, Windows will rely on semantic search, a technology that improves the accuracy and relevance of search results by understanding the meaning and context of words in a query. Semantic search uses language understanding models to interpret the intent behind the user’s query and find content that is conceptually similar, even if it doesn’t contain the exact same words.
Windows Semantic Search Coming to NPU-Powered PCs
Windows Semantic Search, powered by the NPU in Copilot+ PCs, will be available in File Explorer, Windows Search, and OS Settings. The latter will help us easily find system functions or features that we can modify.
The only downside to the new Windows Search feature is that it will only be available on a limited number of devices.
Microsoft stated that this feature uses the NPU, so it doesn’t require an internet connection. However, only computers with Snapdragon chips support it. The feature will expand to more devices in 2025, after the Qualcomm exclusivity ends.
