Microsoft is giving Windows 11 Search a sizeable upgrade, turning it into something more useful than a place to hunt for missing files and applications. The company has announced new Insider Preview builds for the Beta and Experimental channels, bringing expanded Search capabilities alongside a new privacy policy for commercial customers.
The update is part of Microsoft’s effort to make Windows Search more action-oriented. Instead of simply showing links to settings or applications, Search can now let users perform certain tasks directly from the results panel. That could mean adjusting screen brightness, changing cursor size, or even sending a text message without opening another application.
Windows Search is becoming more than a file-finding tool
The expanded experience introduces inline controls for adjusting volume, display brightness and cursor size. Users can make these changes through sliders displayed directly in Search results, cutting down on the usual trip through Windows Settings.
There is also a more interesting addition for people who regularly switch between their PC and smartphone. With a supported phone connected through Microsoft’s Phone Link, users can make calls, send text messages, and access phone actions such as Do Not Disturb directly from Windows Search. Android support is available now, while iPhone support is expected early next year.
Search results are also getting richer. Windows can now show previews of files and details such as their last modified date, location, and author. It can surface web answers for weather, stocks and general facts, alongside applications and games from the Microsoft Store. Users can turn Store app results on or off through Settings under Privacy & security > Search.
Microsoft is also adding filters for different result categories, including files and folders, settings and actions. Users can give individual results a thumbs-up or thumbs-down, and remove suggestions from the initial Search view.
Microsoft is also tightening feedback privacy for businesses
The October 30 announcement covers more than consumer-facing improvements. Microsoft is introducing a new Intune policy that allows commercial customers to keep feedback submitted through Feedback Hub private within their organisation.
When enabled, feedback cannot be published to the public community or shared with people outside the organisation’s tenant. It remains accessible to Microsoft and users within that organisation.
The new features are arriving through several Insider builds, including Beta Build 26220.9836 and Experimental Build 26340.9843, alongside separate builds for 26H1 and Future Platforms. That means these changes are still being tested rather than being a confirmed rollout for every Windows 11 user.
For everyday users, the bigger takeaway is that Search could become a convenient control centre instead of another Windows feature that merely points you towards the setting you need. Whether Microsoft can make it consistently useful in daily use remains to be seen.
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