Windows Search Gets a Long-Overdue Revamp

Microsoft has been making significant changes to the Windows operating system, and the latest update is set to bring a major overhaul to the Windows Search feature. After years of criticism for being cluttered with ads and web pages, Windows Search is finally getting a redesign that prioritizes local files and apps.

Source: lifehacker.com

The new Windows Search interface is cleaner and more intuitive, with a focus on local search results. Gone are the days of a ‘Recommended’ feed of web content and suggestions. Instead, users will see a list of their recent searches, with local apps, files, and folders appearing first and faster.

Source: lifehacker.com

When you start typing, Microsoft will now prioritize local searches first, making it easier to find what you’re looking for. The results page has also been updated, with more breathing room and additional context, such as file type and modification date. A preview of the file and metadata is also available once you select a result, with better buttons for main actions like ‘Open.’

Microsoft is also focusing on reliability, promising a drop in crashes and random glitches. While the broader search integration isn’t completely gone, the web results section below the local results has been redesigned. Before, web search showed a promoted post at the top, hiding the actual result or answer until you scrolled down. Microsoft now shows the direct result at the top, and pushes the promos down below.

For users who want to disable web and Microsoft Store suggestions in search, there are distinct toggles in Windows Settings. To do this, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Show Suggested Search Results and disable the toggles for Web Searches and Microsoft Store.

These changes are being slowly tested in the Windows Insider program, but it’s clear that Microsoft is making a concerted effort to improve the Windows Search experience. With a focus on local search results and a cleaner interface, Windows Search is finally starting to live up to its potential.

The redesign of Windows Search is a significant step forward for the operating system, and it’s exciting to see Microsoft taking steps to address user concerns. With these changes, Windows Search is poised to become a more efficient and effective tool for finding what you need on your computer.