Windows 11 Search Now Allows Changing Settings Without Opening the Settings App

As announced in the Windows and Surface event earlier this month, Microsoft has now detailed the Windows 11 Search improvements rolling out to users. To be precise, Microsoft wants it to do more than find files and applications. The company is introducing a new interface that lets users perform certain tasks directly from search results.

Windows 11 Search will let you act on results

Microsoft says the new experience builds on recent improvements to search quality, clearer results, and suggestion controls. The bigger change is the introduction of actions that help users complete common tasks without navigating elsewhere.

For example, searching for Dark Mode or Night Light can let users change the relevant setting directly from Search. Users can also manage their workspace by minimizing or arranging open windows. Microsoft says phone-related interactions are also planned for a future release. This could make taskbar Search more useful for people who regularly move between their PC and connected phone.

The redesigned Windows Search experience is available to Windows Insiders as of writing this. The company plans to expand availability more broadly later this year.