Windows 11 test brings AI file search to the Copilot app

Microsoft is also making it easier to jump into ‘guided help’ sessions with Copilot Vision.

by Emma Roth

Aug 20, 2025, 6:54 PM UTC

Image: The Verge

Emma Roth is a news writer who covers the streaming wars, consumer tech, crypto, social media, and much more. Previously, she was a writer and editor at MUO.

Microsoft is testing out a Windows 11 update that lets you use AI to search through your files and images directly from the Copilot app. This test is currently rolling out to Windows Insiders on Copilot Plus PCs and allows you to use more descriptive language when conducting your search.

You can currently use the Copilot app to search for a file based on its name, when it was last opened, or file type. This update takes things a step further by allowing you to describe what you’re looking for, such as “find the file with the chicken tostada recipe.” Microsoft launched AI-powered Windows search on Copilot Plus PCs earlier this year.

You can search for your files directly in Copilot.

Image: Microsoft

Microsoft is experimenting with a new Copilot home experience as well, which surfaces your recent apps, files, and conversations. If you select an app within the “get guided help” section, Copilot will automatically start a Vision session, where it scans everything on your screen and guides you through an app. You can also upload a recent photo to Copilot by selecting it from the left side of the screen and then asking the AI assistant for more information about it.