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Vue lecture

Microsoft is streamlining Windows 11's sign-in experience, here's how

Microsoft is working on a small yet meaningful change to the lock screen and sign-in experience on Windows 11 that will streamline the authentication process that users must go through to log into their desktop.

The current Windows sign-in flow requires the user to manually select the method of authentication they wish to use to login. If you've set up a PIN, face unlock, and fingerprint unlock, the only method of authentication that is active is the one you manually click on to use on the lock screen.

This is a huge gripe of mine, and it's super frustrating when you want to login using your face, but Windows has selected PIN or fingerprint. It means your webcam isn't looking for you in that moment, and you have to manually switch to face unlock to force Windows into checking for your face and logging in.

Well, it looks like this is finally changing. In the latest Windows 11 preview builds, a hidden feature ID enables a new experience that automates this. Now, by default, the PIN box is always on show, but face unlock and fingerprint unlock are also active and ready to authenticate at the same time.

The new sign-in flow on Windows 11

No longer does the user need to manually choose their login method. (Image credit: Zac Bowden / Windows Central)

This means users no longer need to manually select the login method of their choice. Windows will automatically capture whichever biometric authentication method is set up, even when the PIN box is on screen. This also means the lock screen looks cleaner as a result, as the options to choose which authentication method you want to use is no longer displays as it's not necessary. It's also faster for those with biometric authentication enabled.

I really like this change, as it encourages Windows to keep trying my face unlock even if it fails the first time. Of course, there's an eventual timeout if it fails too many times, but I find it is able to log me in before it ever reaches that point. Also, being able to just type my PIN without having to manually select the PIN option first is also great.

Microsoft is yet to announce this new sign-in flow, but I suspect it won't be long until it's officially put into testing as it's already very polished and has been in the works for a number of months now. What do you think? Is this a good change for the Windows lock screen? Let us know in the comments.

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Microsoft walks away from flagship UK AI data center project

Microsoft will no longer be part of a multibillion-dollar data center in Loughton, Essex, England, according to a report by The Telegraph. The planned data center is set to have thousands of NVIDIA processors and was originally planned to start operating next year. Now, major questions surround the project's future.

The data center, which is being planned by Nscale, will be part of a wave of data centers opening in the UK, assuming plans come to fruition.

Microsoft's recent decision could affect the future of the data center, but the power grid is another pressing concern. Nscale has been told by grid operators that the required power supply for the data center will not be available until 2030.

The problems could be connected. The Guardian reports that Microsoft withdrew from the project because of the power grid concerns.

Microsoft was the only company that had publicly committed to plans to use the data center. It's unclear if other tech giants will step in to fill the void.

Despite Microsoft's reported cancellation of plans to be involved with the Essex data center, Microsoft and Nscale continue to have a professional relationship. The Telegraph reports that over 40 percent of Nscale's $103 billion in contracted revenue comes from Microsoft. The Essex data center was only believed to be a small part of that even before Microsoft changed its plans.

"We remain committed to both the Loughton project and the UK and we are exploring alternative power sources for the site, in addition to other expansion sites in the UK," said Nscale. The company added,
"Our relationship with Microsoft remains strong and long-term."

Microsoft is at the center of data centers

As demand for processing power increases, Microsoft finds itself increasingly at the center of data center headlines. Just in the UK, there are three ongoing stories about Microsoft and data centers.

Almost 45,000 people have signed a petition to prevent the construction of a data center in Leeds, England. Over in Slough, England, politicians and residents have debated the construction of a different data center.

Now, Microsoft has withdrawn its planned involvement in what could become the UK's largest data center.

Windows Central take

It seems inevitable that data centers will pop up around the world. There's a good chance that a site only a few miles from my house will have a data center in the near future. I live in Nottingham, England. A former coal plant that has been shut down is expected to house a data center.

Despite several tech giants calling for AI development to be slowed down or paused, demand for data processing is accelerating. I suppose the data centers have to be built somewhere, but I confess I'm not thrilled at the prospect of one being so close to my house.

Data centers can pollute the local environment and emit noise pollution into the surrounding area. They can also raise energy prices nearby and put stress on the local grid.

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Windows 11's design boss admits it needs work, while AI fixes OS inconsistencies

In what may be one of the year's least surprising stories, Microsoft's VP of Product Design, Diego Baca, has explained how AI is being used to help designers after being asked whether it's possible to launch a "fleet of viable agents" to address issues in Windows 11.

On AI agents, 100% agree. I’m not the best person to speak to the engineering side, but AI has already helped our design team accelerate significantly. We’re even seeing designers contribute directly to code fixes that improve craft, consistency, and quality. That’s exciting progress, and we’re only getting started.

Diego Baca, Microsoft

Now, this all comes shortly after an Xbox Business Strategist spiraled on X over how everyone is using AI, expressing frustration with the pretense that people aren't. That said, I do appreciate Baca’s honesty here. I always find that kind of candor refreshing.

Windows 11 still has a consistency problem

Windows 11 logo displayed over the default blue Windows wallpaper with a shattered glass effect across the image.

Microsoft acknowledges Windows 11's longstanding design inconsistencies as AI helps accelerate improvements across the operating system. (Image credit: Microsoft)

Interestingly, Baca's post on X (formerly Twitter) also acknowledged something Windows users have been complaining about for years in his reply to tech enthusiast Chris Pirillo, and that's consistency:

“Consistency across Windows is something we all want, and it’s an active workstream we’re continuing to accelerate,” he explained.

And to be fair, I have to agree. Windows 11 is now five years old (that's made me feel so old), yet parts of the operating system still feel like they're lacking the modern stylings, almost as though some of it still belongs in Windows 7, or even earlier, as Windows Latest points out in its own take.

Don't get me wrong, Microsoft has made progress, particularly with its efforts to modernize Windows Search, Run, and other legacy interfaces using WinUI 3. But I do wish these inconsistencies had been addressed before Windows 11 launched, though perhaps I’m wishing for too much.

Baca also acknowledged the criticism, admitting, “Finally, I completely recognize that people expect more from Windows. We expect more from ourselves, too.”

Finally, he added that Microsoft hopes to “earn back your enthusiasm for Windows through what we deliver, not just what we say.” It’s a refreshingly open response, and one I massively appreciate. How do you feel about Diego Baca's comments? Let me know in the comments and be sure to take part in our poll below:

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Microsoft wants Edge to install security updates without restarting

Microsoft is testing a way to update Edge without forcing a restart, potentially letting you keep working while it switches to a more secure version.

Browser updates can interrupt your work, so you might put off restarting the browser. However, this can delay important security fixes. Microsoft's solution aims to solve both problems by updating Edge in the background while keeping compatible tabs open.

The project is still an early experiment, not a feature you can use today. Microsoft says the prototype isn't part of Edge's production code or the Chromium project.

Microsoft wants Edge updates to be seamless

Currently, browser updates require a restart to safely switch to a newer version. Although Microsoft Edge can restore your open tabs afterward, restarting can still interrupt your work. Microsoft's prototype aims to change that by downloading an update in the background and moving the browser and its supporting processes to the newer version while keeping your work available.

For example, imagine you're filling out a long online form when a security update becomes available. Instead of asking you to restart Edge and interrupt your work, the browser would update in the background while you continue working.

Microsoft demonstrated the prototype in a video, and when the company clicked the "Update" button, the browser switched to the new version while keeping compatible tabs open. Eventually, the goal is to apply updates automatically without requiring users to click anything.

One limitation is that existing tabs can stay open only if they're compatible with the new version. Other tabs will switch to the updated version when you navigate to them.

AI makes faster security updates more important

Image of Microsoft's new Copilot Mode option for its Edge web browser in July 2025.

(Image credit: Future | Daniel Rubino)

The project isn't only about convenience. Microsoft notes that AI is accelerating vulnerability discovery and changing the pace of attacks, increasing the need to roll out security fixes more quickly. The company describes the time between a security fix becoming available and an update being applied as the "patch gap." During this period, users who don't install the fix remain vulnerable.

A security update can only protect you after apply it. Restarts add friction to that gap: people may keep a browser open for days because they are in the middle of something important.

Microsoft

The requirement to restart the browser can also make the problem worse when people postpone updates because they don't want interruptions. As a result, applying security updates faster could reduce the time users remain exposed to known vulnerabilities.

So, when can we use it?

This isn't built into the current version of the browser, so don't go through the settings trying to find the option. Microsoft says that the prototype isn't part of the browser or the Chromium project. Instead, the company is sharing its work early and inviting developers and other organizations to collaborate on this project.

Edge already has an update option for idle devices

Microsoft Edge Update Restart

(Image credit: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

While the company continues developing its new update mechanism, Microsoft Edge already offers a feature called "Restart to update on idle," previously known as "Instant Updates."

The feature restarts Edge when your device is idle, installs the update, and reopens your tabs. It still requires a restart, but the interruption happens when you're not using the browser.

What's next?

For now, Microsoft Edge's existing update options help reduce delays, while the seamless-updates prototype offers a glimpse of what could come next. Microsoft hasn't announced when, or whether, this approach will become available. The company is sharing the prototype early to encourage collaboration with the community.

However, we'll have to wait and see whether the concept will make it into a future version of the browser. What are your thoughts on this new way to update the browser? Let me know in the comments.

More resources

Explore more in-depth how-to guides, troubleshooting advice, and essential tips to get the most out of Windows 11 and 10. Start browsing here:

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Podcast: Surface Laptop Ultra and RTX Spark reviewed!

In this episode of the Windows Central Podcast, Daniel Rubino and Zac Bowden regroup following a week of extensive hands-on hardware testing and benchmarking. The central focus is the initial review wave for the Surface Laptop Ultra and the broader Nvidia RTX Spark mobile platform.

Zac details his full review of the Surface Laptop Ultra, highlighting its MacBook-inspired design improvements, haptic touchpad, outstanding audio, sleep battery efficiency, and magnetic USB-C connector—while contrasting its 2,000-nit Mini-LED display against competing Tandem OLED panels. Daniel shares first impressions of two rival RTX Spark flagships: the ultralight 3.9 lb ASUS ProArt P16 and the robust HP OmniBook Ultra 16.

The hosts dig into real-world local AI and agentic workflows (including tests with Hermes Agent and local LLMs), explain the critical architectural advantage of configurable unified memory allocations for GPUs, discuss gaming performance with DLSS/frame gen, and showcase the newly launched ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X20 handheld console bundle featuring XREAL AR glasses.

This episode of the Windows Central Podcast is sponsored by Surfshark VPN. Unlimited devices, access your content from anywhere, and auto-block malware on Windows, Edge, and other platforms from $2.50/mo, with 3 months extra FREE. Sign up today!

  • [01:44] – Introduction: Daniel and Zac kick off Episode 407, outlining their week spent benchmarking and testing retail RTX Spark laptops and handhelds.
  • [05:51] – Surface Laptop Ultra Design & Build: Zac breaks down the chassis aesthetics, MacBook Pro styling parallels, lack of a notch, seamless lid lip design, and weight (4.5 lbs).
  • [08:00] – The Mini-LED Display: Deep dive into Microsoft’s 2,000-nit Mini-LED panel, evaluating ghosting zones (1,344 dimming zones), glossy reflections, and comparisons to Tandem OLED screens.
  • [13:09] – Battery Life & Standby Sleep Performance: Real-world longevity on the 92 Wh battery (10–12 hours light use) and standout sleep endurance matching Apple Silicon.
  • [15:18] – Magnetic Breakaway USB-C: Testing the breakaway angle, data capabilities, and custom charging brick interoperability.
  • [18:04] – RTX Spark CPU & Gaming Benchmarks: Breakdown of 20-core multi-threaded CPU output versus single-core scores, plus gaming results with DLSS in titles like Cyberpunk 2077 (approaching RTX 4070/5060 laptop levels).
  • [25:59] – Local AI & Unified Memory Allocation: Why configurable system RAM sharing to the GPU CUDA cores enables large local LLM deployment that traditional gaming laptops cannot match.
  • [29:11] – Agentic AI Experiments: Practical workflows with Hermes Agent, desktop automation in Photoshop, automatic folder cleanup, and local data safety risks.
  • [46:00] – Speakers, Haptics & Missing Copilot+ Features: Praise for the class-leading haptic signals and audio alongside the notable delay of Windows Recall and semantic search on RTX Spark.
  • [53:56] – ASUS ProArt P16 Review Preview: Daniel highlights the 3.9 lb featherweight design, dual-fan thermals, 4K anti-reflective touch options, and port selection.
  • [58:50] – HP OmniBook Ultra 16 Breakdown: Frame build quality, rear tower exhaust design, Zero-Lattice Gen 2 keyboard, and compact 140W GaN charger.
  • [01:06:08] – PCIe SSD Speed Shootout: Massive speed discrepancies across devices—Surface’s 14,000 MB/s drive vs. HP's 10,000 MB/s and ASUS’s variable read speeds.
  • [01:14:55] – ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X20 Handheld Impressions: Translucent chassis, 7.4-inch 120Hz anti-reflective OLED panel, Z2 Extreme performance, and testing the bundle with XREAL AR glasses.
  • [01:24:02] – Live Audience Q&A: Viewer questions regarding boot/restart bugs, NVMe expansion, OneDrive Microsoft 365 storage allocation backlash, and future low-tier RTX Spark silicon.

Have a question you want us to answer on the podcast? Send it to us at [email protected]

Hosts:

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Microsoft's Windows Insider wallpapers were made on a Mac

Microsoft just celebrated 12 years of the Windows Insider Program by sharing a collection of wallpapers. But the origin of those wallpapers has drawn a bit of criticism. It turns out that they were not made on a Surface Laptop Ultra or, in fact, any Windows 11 device. Instead, they were created using a Mac.

Rafael Rivera checked the properties of the wallpapers and noticed that they were created using the Mac version of Adobe Photoshop.

New Windows Insider email: "we created new backgrounds for all Insiders inspired by 12 years of the Windows Insider Program and the latest Surface design aesthetic"https://t.co/4gzu6wPcWOCreated on a Mac. https://t.co/0d8HgHlvh0October 15, 2026

Rivera noted in a follow-up post on X that the images were made by Microsoft's in-house design team. If accurate, that precludes the possibility of a contracted company happening to use Macs in their normal workflow and being commissioned to make the images.

Even if the images were made by a contracted company, Microsoft would have a little bit of egg on its face because that would indicate that even a creator that works with Microsoft prefers to use an Apple product.

Windows Central take

I don't think this is a big deal, but the situation has emerged at an awkward time. Microsoft is in the middle of refreshing Windows 11. The tech giant just shared a massive blog post positioning Windows 11 as a selling point to buy a new PC.

Having Windows Insider wallpapers created on a Mac opens the door to jokes like "even Microsoft staff prefer Mac."

It's perfectly reasonable for Microsoft to use tools created by another company. It's not as if Microsoft should force its design team to use the new Photos app instead of Photoshop. Creators, and any worker, need to use tools that can get the job done.

But considering Adobe Photoshop is available on Windows 11, it's a bit strange that Microsoft couldn't send a few Windows 11 PCs over to its design team.

Alternatively, Microsoft could call up ASUS and make a deal to get some ProArt P16 laptops to the design team. Our friends at Tom's Guide said "The ASUS ProArt P16 is an outstanding laptop for creativity."

The best news for whoever made the Windows Insider Program anniversary images is that Adobe Photoshop works on Windows on Arm, so it should run smoothly on any of the new RTX Spark laptops.

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Windows 11's Hybrid Intelligence features will breathe new life into NPUs

Microsoft is finally giving Copilot+ PCs more capabilities on Windows 11. After the disastrous launch of Copilot+ PCs in 2024 which ultimately led to the company retiring the brand as a marketing asset this year, Microsoft has announced Hybrid intelligence, a new wave of AI features that will utilize on-device processing and the cloud.

If you thought the Copilot+ PC promise of NPU-powered local AI experiences was dead, I wouldn't blame you. Microsoft has been slow to build out NPU-based AI features on Windows 11, with Click To Do and Semantic Search being the last Copilot+ PC exclusive features to launch over a year ago.

But that seems to be finally changing with "Hybrid intelligence," a part of which is being built directly into the Copilot app on Windows 11 and will intelligently route AI tasks and experiences between on-device processing and the cloud on Copilot+ PCs. Here's what's coming soon to Windows 11:

  • Local context: With your permission, Copilot can understand relevant content on your PC, including files and recent activity, bringing local context into the flow of work. 
  • Local actions: Copilot can take action on your behalf across Windows, helping complete tasks like organizing files, assessing device diagnostics, troubleshooting issues, coding, and carrying out workflows directly on your device. 
  • Local models: Copilot can tap into AI models running on your PC, using local compute for the right tasks while combining it with cloud intelligence when needed. 

Hybrid Intelligence looks to be a natural evolution of Copilot+ PCs. Microsoft is finally giving this AI hardware more to do, with the ability to reach out to the cloud when required for more complex workloads. These Hybrid Intelligence features enhance the new Copilot Home, Code, and Autopilot experiences that were recently announced.

"Copilot understands your PC, takes action with your permission, and uses local models when it makes sense, with you in control at every step," Microsoft says. "Copilot features powered by hybrid intelligence are expected to begin rolling out on Copilot+ PCs in the coming months."

Hybrid Intelligence logo

(Image credit: Microsoft)

Microsoft says Hybrid intelligence requires Copilot+ PC compatibility, which naturally implies that these new AI experiences will lean on the NPU for local processing, as that's one of the hardware requirements for meeting the Copilot+ PC feature bar.

Microsoft believes that a hybrid approach to AI will be the way forward for computing. It's important for PCs to have local AI compute power and capabilities to reduce pressure on data centers, and it's also important for privacy and security reasons too.

Agents on Windows are being heavily pushed as a local AI experience, though it requires PCs with powerful GPUs and lots of system memory to really take advantage of. The NPU is not powerful enough to handle most large language models at current, and so is reserved for less power intensive tasks and automations.

The company has also announced Aion Instruct, an on-device AI model that replaces Phi Silica and runs on not just the NPU, but GPU and even CPU in some cases. It's a small language model capable of handling text generation, instruction following, and web tasks.

Microsoft has confirmed that the Copilot+ PC brand is going away as a marketing asset, but it will continue to exist as a feature set. OEMs and Microsoft itself have stopped calling their new Surface PCs Copilot+ PCs, even though they are all Copilot+ PC compatible.

Now, the Copilot+ PC moniker is simply a checkbox on a spec sheet, and it looks like Hybrid intelligence PCs is the new marketing term that Microsoft wants to get in front of as many people as possible.

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Microsoft celebrates 12 years of Windows Insiders with free wallpapers

Microsoft just celebrated 12 years of the Windows Insider Program by sharing special wallpapers with Insiders. The images are all reminiscent of the Windows Bloom wallpaper that ships with Windows 11 and that has been remixed several times by Microsoft and enthusiasts.

I'm partial toward the blue version, likely because I learned how to use a PC on Windows 95. There are also white, green, orange, and purple variants as well as several dark-theme wallpapers.

This direct download link should get you all of the wallpapers, but you should also see them in an email from Microsoft if you're a Windows Insider.

Microsoft shared the following message alongside the wallpapers:

"Thank you for 12 incredible years, Windows Insiders!

From exciting program changes to meetups that brought us together in the past year, you're at the heart of it all. As a thank-you, we created new backgrounds for all Insiders inspired by 12 years of the Windows Insider Program and the latest Surface design aesthetic."

The Windows Insider Program has been around for 12 years, but it has shifted in structure in that time. I've been an Insider since the beginning, as have many members of our team at Windows Central. In that time, we've seen everything from major Windows features not being tested with Windows Insiders to feedback directly shaping the future of Windows.

Microsoft refocused on the Windows Insider Program by refreshing it earlier this year. Since that refresh, we've seen more Insider builds per week and significant upgrades being tested in those builds.

Windows Insider meetups also returned this year, giving the community a chance to meet in person and interact with the Windows product team directly. The first Windows Insider meetup was in Seattle, Washington. Later, events took place in New York City (USA), Hyderabad (India), Taipei (Taiwan), San Francisco (USA), and London (UK).

I'm happy to see the Windows Insider Program on the right track. Microsoft is engaging with the community and shaping Windows 11 based on feedback.

Microsoft has shown the positive impact of listening to feedback through its recent changes to Xbox. Sometimes grabbing low-hanging fruit and addressing the top community concerns is exactly what's needed.

The wallpapers shared by Microsoft are a small gesture thanking Windows Insiders, but such gestures can go a long way. Ignored Insiders become Insiders who disengage from the Windows Insider Program, and that hurts all Windows users in the long run.

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Windows Wrap: The best PC Microsoft has ever made — and the OS that might be holding it back

Windows Central

Microsoft fully unveiled its Surface Laptop Ultra this week. While we've known about the PC for months, we lacked key details and were not able to review the Surface Laptop Ultra until recently.

That all changed when Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Microsoft Windows lead Pavan Davuluri, and NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang took the stage to showcase the first wave of RTX Spark laptops.

Microsoft and other PC makers like HP and Lenovo launched the first laptops powered by NVIDIA's new superchip, and initial impressions are quite promising.

With hardware from OEMs impressing reviewers and NVIDIA's chip delivering on many of its promises, attention shifts toward the operating system running on those laptops.

Biggest News of the Week

Surface Laptop Ultra
Surface Laptop Ultra
WinUI Gallery graphic
Microsoft 365 home page on a Razer laptop
Dell XPS 13 with Snapdragon
An Amazon tablet on a wooden desk with a chat window open on the display. A keyboard accessory, stylus, and letter tiles spelling

Microsoft published a massive blog post this week highlighting improvements to Windows 11.

While there are genuinely nice additions to Windows 11, the focus of Microsoft’s blog post took a specific angle that made me ask a question: “Is Windows 11 a selling point?”

After breaking down the new Search experience, sped up File Explorer, expanded customization options, and other features, Microsoft took the opportunity to promote PC sales.

Microsoft said:

"A new PC is a meaningful purchase, and the value should show up in more than a spec sheet. A modern Windows 11 PC brings together responsive everyday performance with more intuitive, connected and personal experiences, all supported by hardware designed for how you interact, create and play, from touch, pen and tactile feedback to immersive gaming experiences. The reason to upgrade is not just one feature; it is how all these experiences work together to make more of your day feel effortless."

Using Windows 11 as a sales tool indicates that Microsoft thinks the operating system is a selling point.

The vast majority of changes and upgrades will also ship to pre-existing PCs, so the entire premise is a bit odd. But that’s probably a post for another day. My main focus is that Microsoft heard feedback, made changes, and is now using those changes to sell PCs.

When rounding up reviews of the Surface Laptop Ultra, I noticed that several experts compared the laptop to a MacBook Pro. As much as it may pain some Windows enthusiasts to admit, the MacBook Pro is the gold standard for laptops in the eyes of many.

With Microsoft copying and competing with the MacBook Pro on the hardware side of things, the remaining question is if Windows 11 compares favorably to macOS.

A significant number of developers use Macs, and Microsoft wants to compete in that space. The Surface Laptop Ultra has the design and AI power to get devs to take a closer look. The question is whether Windows 11 will keep those devs around or drive them away.

Shopping with Sean

You knew my shopping suggestion of the week would be the Surface Laptop Ultra. This is the most powerful Surface in years, and arguably the most exciting in just as long.

Just make sure that you're the target audience for the Surface Laptop Ultra before spending thousands of dollars. Our Senior Editor does a great job breaking down the strengths and weaknesses of the PC in his Surface Laptop Ultra review. There, he also makes it clear who the laptop is for and who should just admire the device from afar.

Microsoft - Surface Laptop Ultra - 15

Microsoft
Surface Laptop Ultra

Surface Laptop Ultra is Microsoft's flagship and most powerful Windows PC. It can be configured with up to 128GB RAM, and ships with NVIDIA's new RTX Spark SoC. It's great for creative workflows and software development, and those who want to run local AI and LLMs directly on their device.

Pros

  • Premium build quality
  • High-resolution screen
  • Excellent keyboard
  • Haptic trackpad is amazing
  • Good sound quality
  • Useful ports selection

Cons

  • Mini LED not best-in-class
  • No presence sensing features
  • Okay battery life
  • Currently missing all Copilot+ features

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Windows 11’s Search overhaul is coming fast — here’s what you really need to know

On Windows 11, Microsoft is overhauling the Windows Search feature to make it faster, more accurate, and more useful. The experience will go beyond finding apps, files, and settings by letting users perform common tasks directly from the Taskbar. At the same time, upcoming improvements will add file previews, richer web results, and Copilot integration.

The redesigned Search experience is in development, but a preview is already rolling out through the Windows Insider Program, with more features planned for later this year and a deeper integration with the Start menu planned for 2027.

Here's what you need to know about the new Windows 11 Search experience.

What is the new Windows 11 Search experience?

The traditional Windows Search experience has been designed primarily to find apps, files, settings, and web results. However, its performance and ability to understand search queries have always been questionable.

New Windows Search showing search results.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)

The new Windows Search experience addresses these limitations with a redesigned interface built on WinUI 3, which Microsoft says improves performance and reduces memory usage. It also improves search accuracy by better matching typos and synonyms.

Beyond finding things, the new Search lets you perform certain actions directly from the Search box in the Taskbar. For example, you can type "switch to dark mode," "turn on Bluetooth," or "mute" to change a setting or adjust your computer without opening another app or navigating through additional screens.

Microsoft is also working on richer file previews, more detailed search results, and inline web answers that let you find information without leaving the experience. The company also plans to integrate Copilot into the experience, allowing users to ask questions and view answers directly in the Search interface before opening the Copilot app to expand the conversation.

What can you do with the new Windows Search?

The new Windows Search retains the core functionality of the legacy experience, letting you find apps, files, settings, and web results, but it also introduces new capabilities.

For example, you can perform certain actions directly from the Search box, such as switching to Dark mode, enabling Bluetooth, adjusting the volume, or arranging windows on the screen.

New Windows Search showing an action.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)

In future updates, Windows Search will add inline file previews and richer web results, including information cards for queries related to weather, stock prices, and other topics.

Microsoft is also working on Copilot integration, allowing Search to recognize questions that could benefit from a more detailed answer and display an AI-generated response directly in the interface. Selecting the response can then open the Copilot app for further assistance.

How do you enable the new Windows Search experience?

The new Windows Search experience is still under development and is currently available to Insiders in the Experimental channel for versions 26H2 and 26H1. To try it, your computer must be running build 26340.9616 for version 26H2 or build 28120.3181 for version 26H1 or a later release.

If the feature doesn't appear after installing the latest preview build, Microsoft says you can enable it manually by navigating to Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program > Feature flags. After enabling the feature, restart your computer to apply the changes.

Does the new Windows Search require a Copilot+ PC or an NPU?

No. When I asked Microsoft whether the new Windows Search experience would be limited to devices with an NPU, the company explained that its inline actions use a small machine-learning (ML) model that runs locally on the computer's main processor. The model interprets the user's request and matches it to the appropriate action.

Microsoft also clarified that this isn't generative AI powered by a small language model (SLM) or a large language model (LLM). As a result, the feature doesn't require an NPU and will be available on computers without one.

Can Windows Search perform actions on a connected phone?

Not yet, but Microsoft is working on a new capability that will let users send text messages directly from Windows Search on computers connected to a phone through the Phone Link and Link to Windows apps.

New Windows Search sending a text message demo.

(Image credit: Microsoft)

Will the new Windows Search replace Start menu search?

Microsoft plans to bring the new Windows Search experience to the Start menu in 2027. For now, the Start menu continues to use the existing Search experience while the company keeps working on the new design. Microsoft hasn't explicitly confirmed whether the new experience will completely replace the current Search interface.

In the past, the company also worked on a similar feature called "Ask Copilot," which users could enable or disable through Taskbar settings. However, the current version of Windows 11 doesn't offer an option to turn off the new Search experience and continue using the legacy version on the Taskbar.

Does the new Windows Search use AI to perform actions?

The new Windows Search doesn't use AI to perform actions. This isn't generative AI. Instead, it uses a small ML model to match the user's intent to the action. As a result, the feature doesn't require an NPU and will be available on computers without one.

What improvements are coming to Windows Search?

The new version of Windows Search will include a new interface design that's significantly smaller than the legacy version. However, it'll include inline previews and richer file details, making it easier to identify documents, presentations, and photos without opening them.

New Search on Windows 11 showing rich search results demo.

(Image credit: Microsoft)

Search will also display richer web results, including information about weather, stock prices, and general questions, directly in the interface.

Microsoft is also adding filters to help users narrow search results by category, such as files. In addition, the company plans to integrate Copilot into Taskbar Search, letting users get AI-generated answers inline and open the Copilot app for a more detailed conversation.

Will the new Windows Search integrate with Copilot?

Yes. Microsoft is working on integrating Copilot into the new Windows Search experience. The planned capability will let users ask questions and see AI-generated answers directly in the Search interface. Selecting an answer can open the Copilot app for further interaction.

New Search with showing Copilot integration (AI mockup).

(Image credit: Microsoft)

The company says the opt-in experience will begin rolling out to select markets later this year.

When will the new Windows Search experience be available?

Microsoft began rolling out the new Windows Search experience to Insiders in the Experimental channel for versions 26H2 and 26H1 on October 7, 2026.

The company plans to introduce richer search results and other improvements later this year, with Copilot integration initially rolling out as an opt-in feature in select markets.

Microsoft also plans to bring the new Search experience to the Start menu in 2027. The company hasn't announced a general availability date for all Windows 11 users.

Windows Central's Take

I like that Microsoft is taking a more cautious approach to AI with the new Windows Search. The core experience isn't being powered by Copilot, and the inline actions use a small machine learning model running locally on the CPU rather than generative AI. The company is also making Copilot integration optional, which is the right approach for this type of feature. I want the operating system to be more useful without making AI feel like a requirement to get things done.

We'll have to wait to see how well Search performs in everyday use, especially when finding files and settings. Microsoft has redesigned core experiences before, and a cleaner interface doesn't mean much if results aren't reliable or users lose control. If the company can improve Search while keeping Copilot optional and avoiding unnecessary clutter, this could be a significant improvement.

What are your thoughts about the new Search for Windows 11? Let me know in the comments.

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