Microsoft’s revamped Windows Search is a game-changer for Windows 11.

Windows Search has long been a pain point for users of Windows 11, but Microsoft is stepping up to make it better with a major redesign. The new Windows Search is currently in testing and promises to be faster, more efficient, and visually appealing.

“This revamped Windows Search experience is designed for speed,” explains a corporate vice president from the Windows product team. “It’s built on WinUI 3 and is part of our larger effort to modernize core Windows functionalities.”

Early tests indicate that this new search feature shows “significant improvements in performance and memory usage,” meaning Microsoft is enhancing search without bloating the system. The user interface has also received a major facelift, featuring quick animations and a spacious preview pane.

While the visual aspects are getting a makeover, Microsoft is also refining the underlying functionality. “We’re enhancing how Windows Search interprets your queries, including improved handling of typos and synonyms,” the vice president adds.

I had the chance to experience this new Windows Search interface at a recent event, and I was struck by its speed and streamlined feel. Currently, if you search for something like an actor’s height, it takes a few seconds to deliver a mini Bing result. The new Windows Search, however, presents results inline, similar to the modern search experiences found on iOS and Android. These inline results also include previews of PowerPoint presentations, photos, and other files.

One of the standout features of this new Windows Search is its ability to function like a launcher, akin to various third-party tools. You can perform tasks such as toggling Bluetooth or dark mode, minimizing windows, or opening apps side-by-side. If you use Phone Link, these commands can even extend to your phone, allowing you to type “text mom, I’m running late” to send a message directly from your device.

Microsoft is currently testing this new Windows Search interface with Windows Insiders, which suggests it will roll out to Windows 11 users in the coming months. “Looking ahead to next year, we’re already working on integrating the new Windows Search experience into the Start menu and ensuring it adapts seamlessly to different taskbar positions and Windows setups,” the vice president states. “Our aim is to make Windows Search more powerful, offering more intuitive ways to express your needs, richer contextual information, and more direct methods to accomplish tasks through search.”