Windows 11 Search now lets you manage your entire computer

Microsoft recently unveiled a major overhaul of its Windows 11 search engine at an event. The tool, which was previously primarily used to search for files and apps, is being transformed into a true system hub. Windows chief Pavan Davuluri described the new feature as an agent-like interface that understands user intent and can perform tasks on its behalf directly from the taskbar.

Users will be able to control thousands of settings by typing simple text commands without opening separate menus. Commands such as switching to dark mode, turning on night light or activating Bluetooth will make it easy to change the way the system works. The same goes for adjusting screen brightness, muting the sound or managing the workspace, for example by minimizing all windows and arranging applications on the screen.

The redesigned search engine is based on the WinUI 3 framework, which brings noticeably faster performance and lower system memory consumption. Microsoft has simplified the interface into a single list, which allows for faster and clearer searches. The system now understands typos and synonyms better, and will later add file previews and richer web results for quick questions, such as weather forecasts. The interface also includes direct access to Copilot artificial intelligence.

The redesigned experience will be gradually available to Windows Insiders in the English experimental channel in early October, where Microsoft will gather user feedback before rolling it out more broadly.