Microsoft starts testing cleaner Windows Search without ads
Microsoft is testing a cleaner and faster version of Windows Search that prioritizes relevant results over ads and promotional content. The changes are available to Windows Insiders in the Experimental channel and aim to improve the search experience across the Start menu…
Intelligence analysis by Llama
Microsoft is testing a cleaner and faster Windows Search that prioritizes relevant results over ads and promotional content. The changes are available to Windows Insiders in the Experimental channel and aim to improve the search experience across the Start menu, taskbar, File Explorer, and Settings.
Microsoft is testing a new version of Windows Search that shows you more relevant results from your own files and apps, rather than ads and other stuff you don't need. This makes it easier to find what you're looking for and makes the search experience better.
Analysis
A Cleaner and Faster Search Experience
Microsoft is testing a cleaner and faster version of Windows Search that prioritizes relevant results over ads and promotional content. This change is part of a broader effort to improve Windows search, announced by Windows president Pavan Davuluri in March. The goal is to deliver a more consistent experience across the Start menu, taskbar, File Explorer, and Settings.
The new Windows Search is being rolled out via a Controlled Feature Rollout, meaning not all Insiders will see it immediately. However, users can reboot to check for access, and the features are also available via feature flags. The changes are available to Windows Insiders in the Experimental channel and aim to improve the search experience by providing more relevant and faster results.
Results now more clearly indicate their source (whether it's from an app, Windows setting, file, web result, or Store suggestion), so the users know what they're clicking before they do. A new setting under Settings > Privacy & Security > Search lets them choose whether Microsoft Store and web suggestions will appear alongside local results.
Local content is also more reliably prioritized when it's the stronger match, file search now supports two-character queries along with improved visibility for cloud files, and Windows Search has become more forgiving of typos and partial words when searching for apps. Microsoft also made reliability improvements, including reducing crashes and loading issues, and added that more improvements will be available soon.
Prioritizing Local Content
Microsoft has made significant improvements to prioritize local content when it's the stronger match. This means that users will see more relevant results from their local files and apps, rather than ads and promotional content. The company has also added support for two-character file searches, making it easier for users to find specific files.
Improved Search Reliability
Microsoft has also made improvements to search reliability, including reducing the likelihood of crashing and loading issues. This means that users will experience fewer errors and a more seamless search experience. The company has also added that more improvements will be available soon, indicating that this is an ongoing effort to improve Windows Search.
Conclusion
The new Windows Search is a significant improvement over the previous version, prioritizing relevant results over ads and promotional content. The changes are available to Windows Insiders in the Experimental channel and aim to improve the search experience across the Start menu, taskbar, File Explorer, and Settings. Microsoft has made significant improvements to prioritize local content, improve search reliability, and provide a more consistent experience across the platform.
Key points
- Microsoft is testing a cleaner and faster version of Windows Search that prioritizes relevant results over ads and promotional content.
- The changes are available to Windows Insiders in the Experimental channel and aim to improve the search experience across the Start menu, taskbar, File Explorer, and Settings.
- Results now more clearly indicate their source, and a new setting under Settings > Privacy & Security > Search lets users choose whether Microsoft Store and web suggestions will appear alongside local results.
- Local content is more reliably prioritized when it's the stronger match, file search now supports two-character queries, and Windows Search has become more forgiving of typos and partial words when searching for apps.
- Microsoft has made reliability improvements, including reducing crashes and loading issues, and added that more improvements will be available soon.
If this development plays out positively, users can expect a more seamless and efficient search experience across the Start menu, taskbar, File Explorer, and Settings. Microsoft's efforts to prioritize local content and improve search reliability will likely lead to a more consistent and user-friendly experience.
However, there are some potential risks associated with this development. For example, if Microsoft prioritizes local content too heavily, users may experience a decrease in the visibility of web results and other online resources. Additionally, if the new search feature is not well-received by users, Microsoft may need to make significant changes to the feature to improve its adoption rate.
