Windows is getting a Semantic Indexing option which enables in-depth file management

Microsoft accidentally leaked the Internal build 26047 to public Windows Update servers. And as with any other leaks, Windows enthusiasts everywhere managed to get their hands on it before it was pulled out. However, it was enough time to let them discover some important features coming to Windows soon.

One of these features is none other than the Semantic Indexing option, as spotted by Windows Insider @PhantomOfEarth. Semantic Indexing is already present as a feature in Copilot, but it seems Windows is integrating it locally, and it has to be enabled for it to work (although, for the moment, enabling it doesn’t make it work).

Semantic Indexing is currently integrated into Copilot for Microsoft 365, and the feature allows for comprehensive file management inside the platform. It makes it possible to find certain files not just for their name, but for their relevance to a certain task, the persons responsible for the files, and so on.

In other words, the feature allows for a more human searching option, and it strives to emulate human thinking when searching for files.

How to enable Semantic Indexing in Windows 11?

1. In the Search bar, type in Indexing Options.
2. Click on Advanced with Admin rights.
3. Check the Semantic Indexing box, and then hit OK.

For now, the option doesn’t work, which means Microsoft didn’t intend to release it just yet. But once it gets released, you can easily enable it from here.

How will it work? We don’t know for now, but we can assume Windows will be capable of in-depth file management, and could potentially show results based on multiple criteria, such as relevancy, owners, and so on.

The Internal build 26047 also came with several other new features to Windows 11, as the same Windows Insider discovered a new energy saver icon, a non-functional Windows-protected print mode setting, and a new Color Management control panel.

These features will probably be unveiled in the next few days.