Overview of the Windows Search App

Google has announced that it is testing a new desktop search application for Windows devices. The program is being rolled out through the company's Search Labs, allowing participants to enable the experiment from their personal accounts. Once activated, the app installs similarly to Chrome, prompting users to sign in with a Google account before it places a searchable bar directly on the desktop.

How It Works

Users can invoke the search bar by pressing the Alt + Space keyboard shortcut. The bar can be dragged to any location on the screen, resized, and minimized with the same shortcut. Within the interface, users can toggle an "AI Mode" on or off, and they can also customize the shortcut key through a configuration menu accessed by clicking their profile picture.

Search Capabilities

The app indexes local files, content stored in Google Drive, and the broader web, delivering results in a unified view. It mirrors the functionality of macOS Spotlight, allowing quick access to files, applications, and online information from a single entry point. Windows already includes built‑in search features, but Google’s offering adds a layer of AI‑driven assistance that aligns with the recent launch of Copilot Plus PCs.

AI Mode and Visual Search

When AI Mode is enabled, the app provides contextual answers powered by Google’s generative AI. For example, users can highlight a math problem in a document and ask the AI to solve it. The app also integrates Google Lens, enabling users to select images on the screen for visual search, identify objects, and translate text captured from the display.

Interface Options

Search results can be filtered by category, including standard web results, AI‑generated answers, images, shopping items, and videos. The bar supports both dark and light visual themes, giving users flexibility to match their desktop environment.

Availability and Limitations

At present, the application is only offered in English and is limited to users located in the United States. It requires a PC running Windows 10 or later. Participants must enable the experiment within Search Labs before the app can be downloaded.

Future Outlook

Google’s foray into a Windows‑focused desktop search tool reflects a broader trend of integrating AI directly into operating‑system experiences. By blending file, cloud, and web search with visual and generative AI features, the company hopes to provide a more seamless and productive workflow for Windows users. Feedback from the current test group will likely inform broader rollout plans and potential expansions to additional languages and regions.

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