Microsoft promises to make Windows 11 search better — and it's about time

Microsoft has announced plans to enhance the search functionality in Windows 11, acknowledging the need for improvement in this area. The company stated that the revamped search system will be faster, consume less RAM, and be better at understanding user queries. This revamped search experience is currently being tested in the Experimental channel of Windows 11, showing significant improvements in performance and memory usage during early tests.

Microsoft has streamlined the search panel, reducing it to a single list for improved clarity and ease of use. The company also aims to refine the system's ability to interpret user queries, even when typos or incorrect terminology are used. In the near future, Windows 11 search will offer inline previews, including thumbnail images with details such as resolution and size.

Additionally, users will be able to perform actions directly from the search box, such as changing the theme or muting sound, without requiring additional clicks to navigate through the Settings menu.

While many users welcome these changes, some critics argue that Microsoft should have addressed these issues sooner. The search functionality in Windows 11 has been a point of contention since the operating system's launch several years ago. Nonetheless, the move towards a more efficient and user-friendly search experience is seen as a positive step by many, with the added bonus of convenient actions that can streamline the process of adjusting system settings.