- Windows 11 is testing a redesigned Search experience built with WinUI 3 that adds inline actions to search results.
- You can enable the new Windows Search interface using ViveTool on Windows 11 Insider Preview builds 26340.9616 for version 26H2 and 28120.3181 for version 26H1.
- The new Search experience is experimental, and enabling the feature IDs does not guarantee that the interface will appear.
On Windows 11, Microsoft is testing a new Windows Search experience rebuilt from the ground up in WinUI 3 that makes it easier to find information and take action directly from the Taskbar. The redesigned interface adds inline actions to search results, letting users complete certain tasks without opening additional apps or navigating multiple menus. However, the new experience is still under development and isn’t available to everyone.
If you’re running a compatible Insider preview build, including build 26340.9616 for version 26H2 or build 28120.3181 for version 26H1, you can use ViveTool to enable it manually.
As part of Microsoft’s broader Windows K2 initiative to improve Windows 11 performance, reliability, and usability, the company is reworking Search to make it more useful and less cluttered. The updated experience builds on previous changes that reduced promotional content and gave users more control over web results and Microsoft Store suggestions. Microsoft is also integrating new Search capabilities, including Copilot and the ability to send text messages from Search.
As of now, the new inline actions are being tested in the Experimental channel of the Windows Insider Program. However, if you’re running a supported preview build and the updated Search experience isn’t available, you can enable it manually using hidden feature flags through ViveTool (via @PhantomOfEarth).
In this guide, I’ll explain how to enable the new Windows Search UI on devices with and without an NPU (Neural Processing Unit).
Enable new Search UI on Windows 11 (ViveTool)
To enable an early preview of the redesigned Windows Search experience on Windows 11, use the ViveTool with these steps:
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Download the ViveTool-vx.x.x.zip file to enable the new Windows Search.
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Double-click the zip folder to open it with File Explorer.
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Click the Extract all button.
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Click the Extract button.
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Copy the path to the folder.
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Open Start.
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Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and select the Run as administrator option.
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Type the following command to navigate to the ViveTool folder and press Enter:
cd c:\folder\path\ViveTool-v0.x.x
In the command, remember to change the path to the folder to your path.
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Type the following command to enable the Windows Search interface on Windows 11 and press Enter:
vivetool /enable /id:59210771,57259990,58381341,59210767
- Restart the computer to apply the changes.
After you complete these steps, the Windows Search experience will be available from the Taskbar.
It’s important to note that the Start menu will continue using the legacy search experience, but the company will eventually replace it with the new version.
If you want to undo the changes, you can follow the same instructions outlined above, but in step 10, run the vivetool /disable /id:59210771,57259990,58381341,59210767 command.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert and founder of Pureinfotech in 2010. With over 23 years as a technology writer and IT Specialist, Mauro specializes in Windows, software, and cross-platform systems such as Linux, Android, and macOS.
Certifications: Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), VMware Certified Professional (VCP), and CompTIA A+ and Network+.
Mauro is a recognized Microsoft MVP and has also been a long-time contributor to Windows Central.
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