[Microsoft AI Feature] Improved Windows Search - Introduction

Improved Windows Search enhances your ability to locate files on your computer more efficiently. For instance, if you vaguely recall saving a file but cannot remember its name, or if you are trying to find a presentation you modified last month but cannot recall its exact locations, the enhanced search on Copilot+ PCs allows you to bypass the hassle by simply describing what you seek.

The enhanced Windows Search function on Copilot+ PCs greatly improves the efficiency of file finding through descriptive search, semantic understanding, AI-driven technology, etc., allowing users to find the files they need more easily, even with only vague information. This is very helpful for improving work efficiency and saving time.

For details, please refer to: Improved Windows Search

 

Minimum System Requirements

Improved Windows Search supports all Copilot+ laptops. ‌

If your laptop is not a Copilot+ model‌, please refer to the following information to check if your device supports the Improved Windows Search feature.

Supported processors‌ and ‌an NPU with a minimum of 40 TOPS‌ are required: AMD Ryzen™ AI 300 series, Intel® Core™ Ultra 200V series, Snapdragon® X, Snapdragon® X Plus, Snapdragon® X Elite

If you're unsure about your laptop's NPU performance, visit the ASUS official website, search for your laptop model in the top-right corner, Click [Tech Specs] -> [Processor], and check if the NPU’s TOPS meets Improved Windows Search’s requirement (≥40 TOPS). (Take S5507QA as an example)

 

Operating System Requirement    

Please update your Windows system to the Windows11 24H2 26120.2992 version.

 

What you can search?

Improved Windows search supports all the usual file types:

  • Documents: .txt, .pdf, .docx, .doc, .rtf, .pptx, .ppt, .xls, .xlsx
  • Images: .jpg/.jpeg, .png, .gif, .bmp, .ico

And it is optimized for six languages: Chinese (simplified), English, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish.

 

How to use "Improved Windows Search"?       

Improved Windows search is built into File Explorer, the taskbar’s Windows Search box, and Settings. 

Usage Scenario Examples:

  • Files with Forgotten Filenames: You remember saving a Word document about "artificial intelligence," but you don't remember the filename. You can directly search for "Word document about artificial intelligence," and Windows Search will find all Word documents containing "artificial intelligence."
  • Files with Forgotten File locationss: You remember modifying an Excel spreadsheet about "financial reports" last week, but you don't remember the storage locations. You can directly search for "Excel spreadsheet about financial reports modified last week," and Windows Search will find the Excel spreadsheet that meets the criteria.
  • Finding Specific Types of Files: You want to find all PDF contract files. You can directly search for "PDF contracts," and Windows Search will find all PDF contract files.

(1) Use your own words to search for documents and images in File Explorer.

(2) Use your own words to change settings on your Copilot+ PC in Settings.

In conclusion, the Improved Windows Search is a significant upgrade that makes finding files much easier and more efficient. By embracing a more descriptive and forgiving approach, it empowers users to quickly locate the information they need, even when they don't remember all the details. It's a powerful example of how AI and machine learning can be used to enhance the user experience and improve productivity.

 

Q&A

(1) My laptop meets the minimum requirements and has updated Windows to the latest version, so why can't I find Improved Windows Search?

Improved Windows Search requires the use of NPU. Please follow the steps below to check whether the NPU driver meets the minimum requirements.       
Right-click the Windows icon in the lower left corner of the Windows desktop, then click [Device Manager]. Find and expand [Neural processors] in Device Manager. Quickly click [NPU Compute Accelerator Device] twice with the left mouse button. Click [Details] in the new window to query the current NPU driver version.

  • AMD NPU minimum driver version: 32.0.203.240
  • Intel NPU minimum driver version: 32.0.100.3717

If your laptop's NPU driver does not reach the minimum version, you can update it manually. 

Please go to the ASUS official website, find your laptop in the search box in the upper right corner, and then find and install the driver in [Support] -> [Diver & Tools] -> [Chipset].

  • For AMD platform Laptops, please select [AMD Graphics Driver] to download and install.
  • For Intel platform Laptops, please select [Intel NPU Driver] to download and install.

AMD Graphics Driver (Include NPU Driver)

Intel NPU Driver

 

The above information comes from Microsoft's official website. If you have any questions, please contact Microsoft for further information.

If you would like to learn more about Copilot+ PC, please visit the [Frequently asked questions] & [Copilot+ PC and Windows AI features] sections at the following link: Shop Copilot+ PCs: A New Era of Windows AI PCs and Laptops | Microsoft Windows