Microsoft reworks Windows Search as a Copilot-powered command bar

Microsoft plans to update the Windows Search menu this fall so users can type short commands to perform actions and converse with Copilot without opening the app. The redesigned interface is intended to be faster and more contextual, showing controls like a volume slider when relevant. Microsoft also announced Hybrid Intelligence, a set of tools for running AI models locally while still using cloud inference for demanding tasks.

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Microsoft unveiled the changes at its fall Surface event, where Windows and Devices EVP Pavan Davuluri showed the Search menu executing commands such as toggling dark mode or do not disturb. The company said the interface will support thousands of actions and let people chat with the new Copilot app without opening it separately. It also promised faster, more contextual results, including a volume slider for microphone adjustments and phone-linked text messaging from the Task Bar.

Alongside that, Microsoft introduced Hybrid Intelligence, orchestration tools that let PCs run AI models locally while reserving cloud inference for harder jobs. The updated Copilot app can use local files and act across apps and settings. For coding, Microsoft cited safer native Windows app creation via Microsoft Execution Containers. Hybrid Intelligence also improves Autopilot, which demoed organizing tax documents locally and drafting an email without sending data to the cloud.

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