Microsoft announces improvements to Windows 11 search functionality

Improved Results Display

When performing a search, results will be displayed in a left sidebar. Upon selecting an item, additional options will appear in the right column, such as sharing or opening the file. The new experience will optimize this space, dedicating the right column to show more details about the file, including its location, last modification date, and, whenever possible, a preview of its content.

Web Content and Ad Control

Although web results will continue to be shown, local content will receive greater priority. Users will have the option to manage the display of results from the web or the Microsoft Store by accessing settings under Privacy & Security / Search. Additionally, if web results are maintained, promotional content, such as ads directed to shopping stores, will no longer appear prominently.

Additional Features and Performance

The company also promised that Windows 11 will be more tolerant of typing errors, including omitted or extra letters when searching for an application, citing as an example that searches like 'utlook' may redirect to Outlook. Regarding performance, Microsoft committed to working to reduce the occurrence of slowness or crashes during the search process.

Availability of the New Search

Currently, this enhancement is in the development phase and is only available to selected participants in the Windows Insider testing program, specifically in the Experimental channel. Despite this, progress points toward a release in the final version of the system in the near future, and it is expected to be one of several improvements promised by Microsoft for Windows 11 by 2026.