Last updated:January 20, 2025, 11:24 IST
Windows 11 is set to come with new AI features, including new search methods, but Microsoft is once again blocking access to these tools for older users.
Windows 11 adds new AI features, but only for people with newer PCs.
Microsoft is entering the AI search battle with its own version, which is currently being tested with Windows 11 users and is expected to be released to the public in the coming months. The battle for AI search started with giants like Google and OpenAI offering their versions to the market, so it’s no surprise that Microsoft is looking to enter the mix to improve its position in the AI race.
Windows 11 Beta offers a glimpse of how AI features will work through Search, but support is limited to users with one of the latest Windows 11 laptops.
Windows 11 AI Search Test: What you need
Microsoft is taking a step forward with AI search, which is not a recall feature that previously faced privacy concerns. The biggest problem with Windows’ new AI feature is that it requires the latest Copilot Plus PC available on the market.
The main reason for this limitation is related to the hardware of these PCs, which has a built-in NPU to process AI queries on the device, ensuring security for users. This also means that millions of Windows users will have to forget about using AI tools or upgrade to the latest Snapdragon X-powered machines.
That’s not all. AI Search in Windows 11 also works with local file formats such as TXT, JPEG, PDF, and PNG. The company plans to integrate OneDrive cloud data into the service, but that may require doing away with on-device support and linking it to the internet.
Judging by these features, AI search in Windows 11 looks different from Google and OpenAI’s services, but gradual evolution could change that in the near future.
