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You can change Windows settings directly from a search now – how to try it
Tech > Services & Software > Operating Systems > Windows > Windows 11
The latest Windows 11 Insiders Preview enhances the Search feature so that you can access specific settings right from a search window.
Microsoft has been on a kick lately trying to improve and enhance Windows 11, including sprucing up Search, which is now simpler, cleaner, and friendlier. And there’s another cool trick that Search has up its sleeve: Available in the Beta channel of the latest Windows 11 Insiders Preview, Search will give you access to specific Windows settings and commands. Known as inline actions, this latest skill is designed to help you directly complete certain tasks. That means you no longer need to know exactly where or how to find the setting you need.
Also: Windows 11 can run better on PCs with 8GB now
Curious about built-in features such as Dark mode, Bluetooth, screen brightness, Remote Desktop, the Windows clipboard, or Windows Update? Just type the name or phrase in the Search field. The results then display an Open button that you can select to go directly to the related setting.
“A new Windows Search experience built on WinUI 3 is beginning to roll out,” Microsoft said on a web page announcing the latest Insiders build. “It’s faster, more efficient, and features a streamlined design that makes results easier to scan. Inline actions let you quickly complete tasks directly. Turn on dark mode or Bluetooth, adjust your screen brightness, mute your device, or arrange windows from Windows Search.”
I tried this with several different Windows settings, and the results window pointed me to the right screens for tweaking them. Though I know where most Windows settings are located by now, there are still times when I forget how to reach certain ones. This new skill promises to be a time saver whenever I face that challenge.
Here’s another handy enhancement. How often do you type a word or term in Windows Search only to misspell it? With the latest update, Search will now better understand what you actually mean and match you with the correct results. Type “drak” instead of “dark,” for example, and you’ll still see the results for Dark mode.
Microsoft promises these latest improvements to Windows Search will continue to be fine-tuned over the next few weeks. And there’s more in the new Preview build.
Ever run into trouble using Windows Hello facial recognition in a dark area? Now, your screen will temporarily brighten up to help you sign in under those conditions. To enable this option, head to Settings, select Account, select Sign-in options, and then click Facial recognition. Turn on the switch for “Automatically adjust screen brightness during face recognition.”