Overview
- Microsoft unveiled the redesigned Windows Search at its Windows and Surface event Wednesday, saying the WinUI 3 rebuild delivers substantial improvements in speed and memory use during early tests.
- The new single-panel UI stacks results in a vertical list with the search box at the bottom to make results easier to scan and remove the previous cluttered preview pane.
- Search now supports thousands of inline actions that let users perform tasks from the taskbar, such as toggling dark mode, adjusting microphone volume, arranging windows, taking screenshots, or sending texts via Phone Link.
- Copilot integration gives the feature local context and local actions so the assistant can access files on the PC and execute changes locally under a hybrid cloud/local AI approach, with Microsoft adding toggles for control.
- The redesign is rolling out to Windows Insiders in the Experimental channel in a limited, English-only release that requires a restart and a feature-flag toggle, and Microsoft plans richer inline cards, widgets and Start-menu adaptations in staged updates.