In mid-September 2025, Google surprised the tech community by releasing a new app for Windows, dubbed the “Google app for Windows.” Currently categorized in the experimental segment of Google Labs, this robust search application aims to redefine the way users interact with information on their PCs. However, the tech behemoth has yet to confirm a timeline for a public launch.
Traditionally, Google has exhibited a lukewarm interest in developing applications for desktop environments, with the Chrome browser being the notable exception. The only other app receiving regular updates is Google Drive for Desktop. Even the highly anticipated Google Play Games on PC took an impressive three years to transition from beta to general availability just last week.
Google’s Quick Share, once known as Nearby Share, also experienced delays before its public launch. Interestingly, none of these applications are available in the Microsoft Store, despite improvements that have made it easier for developers to publish their applications there.
The Features of the Google App for Windows
Feature-rich and versatile, the Google app for Windows mimics the familiar Google Search widget found in Android, allowing it to appear anywhere on your desktop as a floating window. This seamless integration is initiated by pressing the Alt + Space keys, enabling users to conduct standard Google searches, access Google Drive files, and locate installed applications or local files on their PCs.
Perhaps one of the most exciting features is the included Google Lens functionality, which allows users to perform “Circle to Search” actions directly in Windows. The app also offers Rich Snippets and an AI mode for specific queries, adding to its appeal.
Notably, Google’s own Chrome OS lacks an equivalent application, highlighting an interesting gap in their product offerings.
Why Now?
This launch coincides with a time when Bing is gaining market share in search queries, encroaching on Google’s long-held dominance. Unlike the Google app, Microsoft Edge offers a less comprehensive search experience with its Edge search bar, which primarily allows web searches. One would expect a more advanced tool from Microsoft, especially given its ownership of Windows.
Adding irony to the situation, just days after Google announced its Windows app, I received a persistent notification from Edge encouraging me to try out the Edge search bar for three consecutive days to earn Microsoft reward points.
How to Install the Google App for Windows
As it stands, the Google app for Windows is currently accessible only to users in the United States and is limited to the English language. It supports both Windows 10 and Windows 11, although Windows 10 is nearing its end of life.
If you reside in the U. S., you can visit Google Search Labs to turn on the option for the Google app for Windows. A Google Personal Account is required for this process, as Google Workspace accounts do not have access yet.
Once you click the Download button, the application will be downloaded as an executable file. Double-click this file to initiate the installation. Following installation, the app will download additional necessary files akin to the Chrome browser. By default, you will be logged into the Google Account used when enabling the experiment.
During the installation, the app will request permission to access your Google Drive and local files for searching. This feature is enabled by default, but you can opt to deny it if preferred.
Password protection settings can be adjusted later within the app. Once set up, Google introduces you to the app’s functionalities through an onboarding process, culminating with the floating pill-shaped interface that is notable for its size.
For users outside of the U. S., the app will not be visible in Search Labs. However, utilizing a VPN to clone a U. S.connection could grant access. Keep in mind that as an experimental app, the Google app may present limitations or functionality issues during its trial phase.
Exploring the Features of the Google App for Windows
Upon testing this new application, I was intrigued by its responsiveness. The Alt + Space shortcut worked flawlessly, opening as a floating window no matter how congested my workspace was with other applications and open tabs.
Notably, closing the app either via re-pressing the shortcut or the Esc key simply sent it to the system tray, raising curiosity about its running resource consumption. To my astonishment, the app only utilized 8.5MB of RAM, especially when compared to Google Drive for Desktop’s 75.4MB and Google Chrome’s staggering 500MB usage with just one tab open.
The settings menu allows for adjustments to the theme and keyboard shortcuts, as well as toggling AI mode. Users can manage privacy settings related to the app’s access to Google Drive and local files, with the option to sign out if necessary.
The floating pill interface is customizable in its position and width, although a restart resets modifications. The Google app facilitates web searches, local file exploration, and retrieval of documents from Google Drive efficiently.
Web search functions smoothly, and in AI mode, you get responses directly within the app, avoiding browser switchovers. Turning off AI mode reverts results to the usual browser-style display.
Featured Snippets streamline access to general knowledge, while quick calculations can be managed effectively, though the input format must be precise.
Another highlight is the ability to search for files across various formats like PDFs and DOCX quickly, with results appearing almost instantaneously, even with minor typographical errors.
Compared to traditional file searches in Windows, users will still find local file searches less responsive, particularly for recently downloaded files. However, updating Google Drive files may reflect changes without delay.
Leveraging Google Lens in Windows
An impressive aspect of the Google app for Windows is its integration of Google Lens. Users can easily select parts of images or interfaces on-screen by pressing Alt + Space and clicking the Lens icon within the app.
This tool not only finds similar images but can also provide additional information, enhancing comprehension with features like translation or solving equations, a significant time-saver for users needing quick information without navigating away from their current task.
Comparing Google App for Windows to PowerToys Run
Power users are likely familiar with the PowerToys suite, especially the Command Palette, which has a similar shortcut of Win + Alt + Space. This tool serves as a highly sophisticated launcher, enabling users to open applications, execute commands, and manage system settings far beyond the capabilities of the Google app.
Though the Command Palette may seem daunting at first, it ultimately proves to be a potent tool, offering functionalities similar to Apple’s macOS Spotlight. However, it lacks the AI-based features that distinguish the Google app for Windows, which allows users to interactively pose questions and receive automated responses.
Given the difference in focus between power users and general consumers, the Command Palette is tailored for those who seek extensive system control and customization. In contrast, the Google app is aimed at standard users who appreciate features like Google Lens for enhanced productivity.
Despite the advantages, the Google app for Windows has its shortcomings, such as its interface’s uncharacteristically large size and some bugs that need ironing out. Users are also left to wonder why Google hasn’t made it available in the Microsoft Store or confirmed compatibility with ARM devices. As Google looks to reclaim its foothold in the search market, a broader rollout beyond the U. S.could be beneficial.
Meanwhile, Microsoft has an opportunity to enrich its Copilot functionality by incorporating elements from the Command Palette, further solidifying its position in the productivity application space.
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