WinUI 3 foundation
The WinUI 3 foundation is intended to improve responsiveness and resource efficiency, with early testing showing improvements in performance and memory usage.
Windows Search
Windows Search finds apps, files, settings, and information from the taskbar, with a streamlined list, better matching, and inline actions.
Windows Search
Windows Search is the built-in Windows search experience for finding apps, files, settings, and information. This preview updates the taskbar search interface with a WinUI 3-based foundation, a single-list results layout, improved matching for typos and synonyms, and inline actions for selected Windows tasks.
The experience is being developed as a staged Windows Insider preview. The current release is available through the Experimental channel in English, while richer file previews, web answers, category filters, Phone Link actions, and expansion to the Start menu are described as upcoming work rather than current general availability.
Key features
Single-list results
Results are presented in a single list rather than a split results-and-preview layout, making the search view easier to scan and reducing visual clutter.
Improved query matching
Matching is being improved for typos and synonyms, helping Search interpret queries that do not exactly match the wording of a result.
File previews and filters
Inline previews and richer file details are planned to provide more context for similar files before they are opened. Category filters will also help narrow results such as files.
Inline web previews
Rich web previews are planned for queries such as local weather, stock prices, and factual questions, keeping useful answers within Windows Search.
Inline actions
Natural-language commands can perform selected Windows tasks, including switching to dark mode, enabling Night light or Bluetooth, dimming the screen, muting audio, minimizing windows, and arranging windows on screen.
Practical use cases
Launch apps and find files
Open a recently used app or locate a file from the taskbar without manually browsing the Start menu, desktop, or File Explorer.
Change system settings
Search for a Windows setting and use a supported command such as “switch to dark mode,” “turn on night light,” or “turn on Bluetooth” to make the change from the search experience.
Adjust the active workspace
Use commands such as “dim my screen,” “mute,” “minimize all my windows,” or “arrange windows on screen” when adjusting the current work session.
Get quick web information
Ask information-oriented questions such as the weather in San Diego or the height of the Eiffel Tower and, as rich web previews arrive, review the answer without leaving Search.
Review and narrow file results
Search among similar documents or images and use upcoming inline previews, richer file details, and category filters to identify the right result before opening it.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Combines app, file, settings, and information searches in one taskbar entry point.
- Uses a single-list layout designed to reduce visual clutter and make results easier to scan.
- Supports selected inline Windows actions, reducing the need to open another app or navigate through additional screens.
- Improves query interpretation with matching for typos and synonyms.
- Is being refined through feedback on performance, relevance, stability, and real-world workflows.
Cons
- The preview is gradually rolling out only to Windows Insiders in the Experimental channels, with English supported for the initial release.
- The new experience initially applies to taskbar search; Start menu searches continue to use the existing experience during the preview.
- Some capabilities, including richer file and web previews and Phone Link actions, are planned for later rather than available in the initial release.
FAQ
Who can try the new Windows Search experience?
The preview is rolling out gradually to Windows Insiders in the Experimental channel, with English supported for the initial release.
How do I enable the preview?
After upgrading to build 26340.9616 in the Experimental channel or build 28120.3181 in the Experimental (26H1) channel, select Check for updates in Windows Update and restart the device. The New Windows Search Experience feature flag can then be enabled through Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program > Feature flags.
What can Windows Search do directly from search?
From the taskbar, you can search for apps, files, settings, and information. Supported inline actions can also change settings, adjust the display or audio, manage windows, and—coming soon—perform phone actions through a Phone Link connected device.
What are the current limitations of the preview?
The initial preview uses English and is limited to Windows Insider rollout channels. The new experience is initially available from the taskbar; the existing search experience remains in the Start menu while Microsoft continues testing and refinement.
Quick Facts
- Category
- Desktop search and Windows productivity
- Platform
- Windows taskbar; Start menu expansion is planned
- Preview audience
- Windows Insiders in the Experimental channel
- Initial language
- English
- Current workflow
- Find apps, files, settings, and information; run selected inline Windows actions
- Source
- Windows Insider Blog
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