
Introducing Copilot: Enhanced File Search in Windows 10 and 11
The Copilot application in Windows 11, as well as Windows 10, now boasts the capability to search for files stored locally on your device or synced from OneDrive. This functionality is currently available to all users, breaking away from its previous limitation to the Windows Insider Program.
What stands out about the Copilot’s local file search is its impressive speed and accuracy. This efficiency arises from the caching process utilized by Windows Search. In fact, during my testing, I discovered that Copilot could retrieve documents that Windows Search had trouble locating, likely due to existing glitches in its search function. However, it’s important to note that Copilot’s search capabilities are intentionally limited in scope.

Capabilities of Copilot File Search
Copilot’s search functionality is designed to work seamlessly with files generally associated with Microsoft applications. For instance, it effectively locates .docx, .xlsx, .ppt, .txt, .pdf, among others. However, if you are a developer working with .dart files in Flutter, you might be disappointed, as these specific files cannot be found using Copilot.
Practical Application of Copilot File Search
This tool proves beneficial in various scenarios. For example, if you recently updated your resume but cannot recall where it was saved, Copilot can assist in locating the document, provided it falls within the search parameters determined by your Windows Permissions settings.

By default, Copilot is configured to access common directories such as Documents and Downloads, which typically cater to most users’ needs.
In a practical test, I requested Copilot to find resumes that included my first name, “Mayank.”In mere seconds, it identified two relevant documents: one PDF and one Word document.
How Copilot Translates Search Queries
Research from Windows Latest indicates that Copilot utilizes Windows’ integrated search indexing to locate files. For example, when a command like “find my resume” or “show me the latest Excel files” is issued, Copilot converts it into a search query similar to what one would enter in File Explorer. Specifically, when I asked Copilot for resumes with “Mayank, ”it executed a search in File Explorer using a query structure of filename:Mayank OR resume kind:NOT folder
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This method requests the Windows Search and OneDrive service (if synchronized) to provide pertinent file matches, which clarifies why Copilot can achieve faster search results compared to Windows Search alone.
Crucially, Copilot does not encapsulate searching within an enclosed prompt but instead leverages Windows’ indexing efficiency while employing File Explorer’s query format to showcase the most relevant matches.
User Features and Document Interaction
One additional feature of Copilot is the capability to incorporate any found documents into the compose box, enabling users to pose follow-up questions effectively.

It is noteworthy that while Copilot conducts searches, it does so without accessing the contents of the documents; the search process solely evaluates file names, types, and dates.

Importantly, the use of Copilot’s search feature is optional and not activated by default. To enable this, users need to navigate to Copilot’s Settings, find the appropriate toggle, and switch the feature on.
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