Windows 11 now uses Semantic Indexing to improve the Windows Search feature across the File Explorer, Taskbar, and Start menu using AI. In this guide, I’ll answer everything you need to know about this feature.
What’s Semantic Indexing on Windows 11?
Semantic Indexing is a technique that enhances how your computer’s files are indexed and searched. By leveraging AI, particularly Natural Language Processing (NLP), Semantic Indexing allows the operating system to understand and interpret the meaning behind your queries. This lets you find files, settings, and other content using natural, conversational language.
For example, using this feature, you can create a search query on File Explorer that describes the file instead of providing keywords that are part of the tile, metadata, or content of the file.
In the Settings app, you can search “change my theme” to find and open the relevant setting instead of having to know the name of the setting.
What file formats are supported with the indexing?
The feature currently supports some file formats, including .txt, .pdf, .docx, .doc, .rtf, .pptx, .ppt, .xls, and .xlsx for documents and .jpg/.jpeg, .png, .gif, .bmp, and .ico for images. This allows for comprehensive search results across different types of documents and images.
This feature currently works for local files, but it will eventually work for other storage providers, including OneDrive.
Does the new Semantic Indexing replace the traditional index?
No, the new search capability works alongside the traditional search on AI-capable devices.
What are the requirements for Semantic Indexing?
Semantic Indexing processes information using the on-device Phi Silica AI model, which means that the device requires a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) to process the data. (You can check if your PC has an NPU with these instructions.)
As a result, this new feature is limited to Copilot+ PCs. Also, at the time of this writing, the new indexing technology is only available for devices featuring Qualcomm Snapdragon X Series processors.
However, Microsoft has said that Copilot+ PCs with Intel and AMD processors will be the next to receive this new capability.
For context, Phi Silica is a derivative of the Phi-3.5-mini model, containing 3.8 billion parameters. This compact and robust model is optimized for on-device performance for tasks such as Semantic Indexing without relying on cloud-based services.
What languages currently support Semantic Indexing?
This new enhancement for search is available in multiple languages, including Chinese, English, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish.
How do I enable Semantic Indexing on Windows 11?
After installing Windows 11 build 26120.2992 through the Dev Channel, the indexing enhancement for the Windows Search feature should be enabled by default.
However, if the option isn’t available and you have a compatible device with an NPU, you can turn it on manually by running the vivetool /enable /id:47942714 with the ViveTool and then restarting the computer.
Microsoft also recommends enabling the “Enhanced” index option in Settings > Privacy & Security> Searching Windows for the best search experience.
If the enhanced search capability is available, you will know by clicking the search button in File Explorer, which will display a new colorful magnifier with an animation.
Also, on Settings > System > AI Components, the “AI PHi Silica” component should be installed automatically.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].