Windows 11 KB5053644 beta features significant improvements for Intel, AMD, and Copilot+ in PC Search

Microsoft has launched the latest update to the Windows 11 24H2 Beta channel for Insiders, featuring build number 26120.3585 under KB5053644. This update introduces significant enhancements geared towards improving the Search functionality in AMD and Intel Copilot+ PCs, harnessing their AI capabilities for better usability.

Enhanced Windows Search for Copilot+ PCs

Local Semantic Search

The latest update introduces a revolutionary semantic indexing feature that enhances how users find documents, photos, and settings on their Copilot+ machines. Now, whether you’re searching in File Explorer, the Windows taskbar search box, or Settings, simply enter descriptive phrases instead of requiring exact file names or specific terminology. For instance, you can easily locate an image by typing “bridge at sunset” or a document by its context, such as “Europe trip budget.” Notably, these advancements take full advantage of the onboard NPU’s impressive 40+ TOPS processing capability, enabling them to function efficiently even without an internet connection.

Use your own words to search for documents and images in File Explorer. — Utilize natural language queries for effective searches in File Explorer.

Use your own words to search for documents and images from your taskbar. — Effortlessly search for files from the taskbar with everyday language.

Use your own words to change settings on your Copilot+ PC in Settings. — Use descriptive phrases to adjust settings on your Copilot+ device.

You can modify your indexing preferences by navigating to Settings > Privacy & Security > Searching Windows and choose to index your entire system by enabling “Enhanced”.For the time being, the ability to search settings like “change my theme” is available exclusively within the Settings app, with plans to integrate it into the taskbar search in future updates.

This improved search functionality supports multiple languages, including Chinese, English, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish, as well as various document formats such as.txt, .pdf, .docx, among others.More details can be found here.

Finding Cloud-Based Photos

Another exciting addition allows Copilot+ users to search for cloud-stored photos using similar descriptive phrases. Just type basic descriptions like “European castles” directly in the search box of File Explorer, and results will display both local and cloud-stored images together. Additionally, any occurrences of keywords within your cloud file texts will appear in search results.

Results including mountain bike photos one from the cloud in File Explorer with improved Windows Search. — Seamless integration of cloud photo results in File Explorer searches.

To leverage this feature, simply sign in with your Microsoft account on OneDrive while connected to the internet. Note that if you’ve signed into OneDrive via a work or school account, you’ll only see keyword matches from the text of your cloud files—photos will not be included. Documentation for third-party cloud services to integrate this function is forthcoming.

This innovative approach to searching cloud content aims to enhance user experience, and Microsoft promises ongoing improvements in search functionality in future updates.

Gradual Rollout of Search Improvements

The updated Search features are expected to gradually become available to Windows Insiders on Copilot+ PCs. Users may need to restart their devices 1-2 times to fully access these enhancements.

Ongoing Fixes in the Beta Channel

[File Explorer]

Improved performance related to the extraction of zipped files, especially when dealing with numerous small files.

[Login and Lock]

Adjusted the sign-in icon for better consistency with other login options on the main screen.

[File Explorer]

Resolved an issue that caused delays in the closing of File Explorer for some users when using the X button.

[Settings]

Fixed alignment issues with navigation pane entries encountered in the previous release.

General Fixes for Beta Channel Users

[General]

Resolved the 0x80070005 error that would occur when attempting to reinstall the build via “Fix problems using Windows Update.”
Fixed the toggle issue regarding the latest updates not displaying correctly within the Settings menu.

Known Issues and Workarounds

[General]

[REMINDER] When joining the Beta Channel for Windows 11 version 24H2, you will first be directed to Build 26120.3360 before receiving the latest updates. This two-step process is temporary.
If you reset your PC from Settings > System > Recovery, it may incorrectly display Build 26100 until future updates resolve it.

[Recall]

[REMINDER] Ensure your Microsoft 365 apps are updated to the latest version for optimal functionality with specific documents.

The following known issues are set to be addressed in upcoming Windows Insider updates:

Some users may experience difficulties with the Recall feature when saving snapshots—efforts are underway to solve this.
For the time being, Recall features can be enabled or disabled through “Turn Windows features on or off.” There are ongoing tests for caching Rearcall binaries.

[Click to Do]

[REMINDER] Intelligent text actions will now function locally to enhance safety and have replaced the cloud-based system. These actions are accessible in Click to Do in Recall.
[REMINDER] Check that the latest updates for the Photos and Paint apps have been installed if image actions are missing.

[Improved Windows Search]

[REMINDER] For the full benefits of improved Windows Search on Copilot+ PCs, ensure the device is plugged in during the initial indexing process. You can monitor your indexing status via Settings > Privacy & Security > Searching Windows.

[Settings]

[NEW] We are addressing a crashing issue in the Settings app when navigating to System > Power & Battery.
[NEW] In this build, text under Advanced Camera Options may not load as expected in Bluetooth & devices > Cameras.

[File Explorer]

We are working to address crashing issues in File Explorer Home for some users, though alternatives like search or Run dialog launch remain operational.
Efforts are in progress to resolve crashes occurring during file moving or renaming actions.

[Taskbar]

We are addressing the issue where taskbar icons do not scale appropriately in a tablet posture.

[Task Manager]

After introducing the new CPU Utility column, the System Idle Process may display as 0.
Performance page CPU graphs may still reflect earlier computation methods.

For further information, please refer to the official blog post here on Microsoft’s website.

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