How to search your files using Microsoft Copilot on Windows 11

On Windows 11, you can now use the Copilot app to find, open, and ask questions about the files stored on your computer, and in this guide, you will learn the steps to get started with this feature.

What’s file search on Copilot?

On Copilot, file search is a feature that helps you find and open files, similar to Windows Search. However, since the feature uses AI, you can use natural language to search and ask questions about the contents of the files on your device.

This search functionality is available on supported markets starting with the Copilot app version 1.25034.133.0 and higher. However, it may take some time to reach everyone.

In addition to file search, Microsoft is also testing Copilot Vision, a new feature for Windows 11 users that allows sharing the screen with Copilot to get assistance with virtually anything.

In this guide, I’ll outline the steps to find files using the Copilot app on Windows 11.

Get started searching files with Copilot on Windows 11

To find files using the Copilot app on Windows 11, use these steps:

1. Open the Copilot app.

2. Click the profile menu and choose the Settings option.

   

3. Turn on the “File search” toggle switch to enable the Copilot search feature to scan your computer for files.

   

4. Turn on the “File read” toggle switch to allow Copilot to access the contents of your files.

5. Click the back button to get to the prompt box.

6. Compose a file search query, such as “Show me the Word document files we worked on yesterday,” and press Enter or the Submit button.

7. Click the file to open with the corresponding app.

   

Once you complete the steps, Copilot will be able to show results about files stored on your computer.

Currently, the search feature supports most file types, including  .docx, .xlsx, .pptx, .txt, .pdf, and .json.

Do you plan to use Copilot to search files on Windows 11? Let me know in the comments.