"Today, searching for files on your Copilot+ PC with improved Windows Search will only work for files saved locally in indexed locations on your PC, " Microsoft states. "You can go to Settings > Privacy & security > Searching Windows to adjust which locations are indexed on your PC or turn on “Enhanced” to index your entire PC."

Microsoft has just played its joker card twice in a week, forcing upgrades on millions of Windows PC owners. This will raise serious alarm bells for hundreds of million of users who may now need to upgrade their PCs with no alternative options.

Microsoft is testing AI-powered Windows search in a new dev channel build for Windows 11 Insider testers. Announced in October, it uses semantic indexing to let users search for local files using more casual language. Like other Microsoft AI features, you’ll need a Copilot Plus PC to use it.

Microsoft is significantly upgrading the search experience on Windows 11 with the introduction of semantic indexing for Copilot+ PCs. This will allow you to find files, photos, and settings using natural language,