Microsoft is redesigning the Search experience in Windows 11 with several new features. The updated tool will offer more controls directly from the taskbar.
The new Search interface is planned for release this fall. Users will be able to type short commands to perform many Windows actions.
Microsoft says the feature will support thousands of possible actions. These commands can help users manage settings, find files, and interact with Copilot.
Search Can Control Windows Settings
Microsoft demonstrated the redesigned Search experience during its fall Surface event. Windows and Devices chief Pavan Davuluri presented several of its new capabilities.
Users will be able to change certain system settings directly through Search. For example, they can turn dark mode on or off.
The interface can also control the Do Not Disturb setting. This means users may not need to open separate Windows settings menus.
Search can also display interactive controls for some commands. Typing “increase mic volume” can show a volume slider directly above the search prompt.
Microsoft says the redesigned experience will provide faster and more contextual results. It is designed to make apps, files, and settings easier to access.
Users with connected phones will also gain another taskbar feature. They will be able to send text messages without picking up their phones.
Copilot Integrated Into Search
The redesigned Search experience will also bring Copilot closer to Windows users. People will be able to communicate with the Copilot app through Search.
Users will not need to open Copilot separately for these interactions. Microsoft wants people to describe tasks and let Windows perform suitable actions.
The system will require user permission before taking certain actions. This approach is intended to provide greater control over automated tasks.
More Local AI Processing
Microsoft also announced Hybrid Intelligence for Windows PCs. The system includes software tools designed to run AI models locally.
The updated Copilot app can use local files when Hybrid Intelligence is enabled. It can also perform actions across applications and system settings.
Microsoft said cloud-based AI will remain available for demanding tasks. Local models can handle some requests when privacy or cost is important.
Secure Containers for AI Agents
Hybrid Intelligence also expands Copilot’s coding capabilities. Developers will receive support for Microsoft Execution Containers, known as MXC.
These containers are designed to keep local AI agents inside secure environments. The agents can then perform specific tasks within those boundaries.
Microsoft is also expanding its Autopilot personal AI agent. Autopilot can use files stored on a computer for certain tasks.
During a demonstration, Autopilot helped prepare tax documents. It found relevant files, renamed them, and placed them into a ZIP archive.
It also drafted an email for an accountant. The demonstration used a local AI model, keeping the files on the computer.
In other related news also read Windows 11 getting a huge upgrade
Microsoft says these Hybrid Intelligence features will roll out over the coming months. The new tools will gradually reach compatible Windows PCs.
