Windows 11 test adds AI file search in Copilot app with natural-language queries

TL;DR

• A Windows 11 test brings AI-powered file and image search to the Copilot app, available to Windows Insiders on Copilot Plus PCs.
• Users can describe what they’re looking for in natural language, beyond basic name, last opened, or file type filters.
• Copilot Vision helps with guided help sessions and can scan your screen to guide you through apps in real time.
• You can upload a recent photo to Copilot and ask the AI for more information about it; the features are rolling out via the Microsoft Store across Insider channels.

Context and background

Microsoft has been expanding AI-assisted capabilities within Windows 11 through its Copilot suite. Earlier this year, Microsoft launched AI-powered Windows search on Copilot Plus PCs, enabling users to search for files using AI-driven queries. The current test extends those capabilities by enabling natural-language descriptions to locate files and images directly from the Copilot app. In addition to search enhancements, Microsoft is experimenting with a new Copilot home experience that surfaces your recent apps, files, and conversations. These developments are part of broader efforts to integrate Copilot more deeply into everyday Windows workflows. The test is being rolled out to Windows Insiders on Copilot Plus PCs and is part of ongoing experiments reported by The Verge.

This article references the ongoing testing and rollout and draws on the reporting from The Verge The Verge.

What’s new

The core enhancement in this Windows 11 test is the ability to search for files and images using descriptive language inside the Copilot app, rather than relying solely on file name, last opened date, or file type. For example, a user can type a query like “find the file with the chicken tostada recipe,” and Copilot will attempt to locate it using the AI model’s understanding of content and context. Compared to prior capabilities, where search was limited to explicit metadata, this update introduces a more flexible, language-based search experience. The update is currently rolling out to Windows Insiders on Copilot Plus PCs and is being distributed across all Insider channels via the Microsoft Store. | Search parameter | Capabilities

Why it matters (impact for developers/enterprises)

• Productivity gains: Natural-language file and image search in Copilot can reduce the number of steps required to locate assets, especially for users who remember content or context rather than exact filenames. This can streamline workflows for knowledge workers, designers, developers, and IT staff who regularly hunt for documents or media within enterprise environments.
• Enhanced app guidance: The Vision-based guided help sessions can simplify onboarding and in-app workflows, potentially reducing training time and support costs for enterprises leveraging Copilot as a help assistant inside Windows 11.
• Better content governance: By integrating image and document understanding into search, organizations may gain more intuitive discovery across a workforce’s files and media, aligning with broader AI-assisted productivity initiatives.
• Rollout strategy: The staged distribution through Insider channels and the Microsoft Store suggests an evolving approach to testing new Copilot capabilities with real users before wider deployment.

Technical details or Implementation

• Previous capabilities: Copilot search in Windows 11 allowed queries by file name, last opened timestamp, and file type.
• New capability: Descriptive, natural-language prompts to locate files and images directly within Copilot.
• Guided help and Vision: Selecting an app in the Copilot “get guided help” area launches a Vision session that scans the screen and provides guidance for using the app.
• Photo upload: Users can upload a recent photo to Copilot from the left side of the screen and ask the AI for more information about it.
• Distribution: Features are rolling out across all Insider channels via the Microsoft Store.
• Source of reporting: The Verge covered the test and rollout details.

Key takeaways

• AI-driven, natural-language file and image search is being tested in Windows 11 via Copilot.
• The feature expands beyond metadata-based search to descriptive queries, potentially improving asset discovery.
• Copilot Vision adds on-screen guidance for app usage and can analyze screen content during guided sessions.
• Users can upload photos to Copilot for analysis and information.
• Rollout is through Windows Insider builds on Copilot Plus PCs and across Insider channels via the Microsoft Store.

References

• The Verge: Windows 11 test brings AI file search to the Copilot app. https://www.theverge.com/news/762788/windows-11-test-brings-ai-file-search-to-the-copilot-app