Windows Search just got a faster, cleaner overhaul - how to try it today

Windows Search just got a faster, cleaner overhaul - how to try it today">

Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.

The built-in Windows 11 Search tool is key to helping you track down files, apps, settings, and other items when you're not sure where to look. But the current design of the Search window throws too much stuff at you, making it feel crowded and cluttered. Now Microsoft has finally redesigned the Search window to be cleaner, clearer, and more helpful.

Currently rolling out to the Experimental channel in the latest Windows 11 Insider build, the new Search window has been pared down dramatically. Instead of displaying trending searches and other useless information, it now shows you just a list of suggested searches. Each item is identified by name and category, so you can easily tell whether it's an app or a setting. Selecting one of the items opens the app directly or takes you to the specific setting.

Also: Your Windows 11 PC might be hiding a 500GB storage bug - how to check

Run a few searches, and the next time you open the Search window, you'll see a list of your most recent searches so you can quickly return to any of them. But the layout itself stays sparse, keeping you focused just on the search or results you need.

Thankfully, Microsoft is also cutting back on its usual sales pitches. The current Search window is typically crowded with hooks for top apps, AI tools, and other promotions. The new window dispenses with all that. Even better, you should now see the most relevant responses to your search ahead of any related products and promotions.

You can even tweak the results to remove certain items. Head to Settings, select Privacy and Security, and then click Search. Here, you're able to choose whether to include web results and Microsoft Store suggestions alongside the results for local files, folders, apps, and settings.

Even if you opt to include web searches and Microsoft Store suggestions, local results will take priority when they're more relevant. But you don't necessarily want to limit the results to just local content. In those cases, Search will display cloud-based and connected files when they prove to be a stronger match.

Also: Windows questions? How Copilot can analyze your PC settings now

Getting the right results also promises to be easier. Accidentally submit your search term with a typo, a missed letter, or an extra letter, and Windows should still be able to find it for you. Type a word like "utlook," and Search will realize you meant to type "Outlook." Even just searching for two characters will dig up relevant results. Type characters such as "zo," for example, and Search will show you the zoom settings for the built-in Magnifier tool.