Windows Search is getting cleaner with fewer distractions and more control
If you’re a Windows 11 user who never uses the Search Bar because of how bad it’s become, then you’re in luck. Microsoft is set to improve Windows Search with a cleaner interface, smarter results and more control over what appears when users search for apps, files and settings, finally giving users what it honestly should’ve been in the first place.
One of the biggest changes coming is a simplified Search home page that removes visual clutter and makes it easier to access recent searches. Search results are also now clearer, with labels showing whether a result comes from an app, setting, file, web result, or a Microsoft Store suggestion before users open it.
Microsoft is also removing promotional content from web results, so searches will focus on relevant answers instead of showing product-related suggestions first. Users will also gain more control over web and Microsoft Store results through a new option under Settings > Privacy & Security > Search, allowing them to disable these suggestions if they prefer local results only.
The updated Search experience will also prioritise local content when it is the better match, making apps, files and system tools like This PC and Recycle Bin easier to find. App searches have been improved as well, with better support for typos and incomplete words. One example Microsoft gave is that typing ‘utlook’ will still bring up Outlook.
On top of that, improvements have been made to file search, including support for shorter two-character searches and better surfacing of cloud and connected files when they are the most relevant result. Settings search rankings have received updates too, helping users find the right option faster. Besides accuracy improvements, Microsoft says it has also worked on Search reliability by reducing crashes and loading issues.
The refreshed Windows Search experience is available to Windows Insiders in the Experimental channel from today. Microsoft is collecting feedback through the Feedback Hub under Desktop Environment > Search before bringing the changes to more users. It shouldn’t be too long then for it to finally roll out to every user worldwide.
Read more of our articles below!
