Semantic file search (available on Copilot+ PC) helps find images of a landscape (Image: Microsoft).
Microsoft has announced a major update to its Copilot on Windows app, rolling out to Windows Insiders as of August 20, 2025. This update unlocks powerful new capabilities aimed at helping users work smarter and faster by leveraging AI-driven features deeply integrated into the operating system. The highlight: semantic file search and a new Copilot home experience, available exclusively on Copilot+ PCs.
Smarter File Search with Semantic AI
The new semantic file search in Copilot marks a significant step forward in how users can interact with files on their device. Unlike traditional keyword searches, semantic search understands natural language queries and context, enabling you to find documents, photos, and more—without needing to recall exact filenames or phrases.
- p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0″>
Natural Language Support: Now you can ask queries like “find images of bridges at sunset on my PC,” or “find my cv,” and Copilot will intelligently sift through your files, surfacing relevant images or documents—even if your search terms aren’t a direct match for file names or contents.
- p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0″>
Flexible File Discovery: Looking for that chicken tostada recipe you saved but forgot the filename? Just describe it in your own words and let Copilot do the rest.
- p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0″>
Privacy Focus: Users retain control. File search relies on recent files (from the Windows “Recent” folder), and Copilot accesses only files you have opened recently. Nothing is uploaded or shared unless you explicitly attach a file to Copilot. You can customize what Copilot can see and do through Permission Settings under Copilot settings.
“Semantic file search*, available on Copilot+ PCs, is a smarter and faster way to find your files using natural language. With today’s update, you can now leverage the power of improved search capabilities right from the Copilot on Windows app.”
— Microsoft Copilot Team
*Semantic file search is available with specific text, image, and document formats and is optimized for English, Chinese (Simplified), French, German, Japanese, and Spanish. Full compatibility details can be found at aka.ms/copilotpluspcs.
Introducing the New Copilot Home Experience
The update also brings an overhauled Copilot home interface, giving users quicker access to the tools and information they need most:
- p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0″>
Access Recent Apps & Files: Your recently used apps, documents, and images are front and center within Copilot, allowing seamless interaction with your latest work.
- p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0″>
Guided Help with Vision: Clicking a recent app in the “get guided help with your apps” section launches a Vision session, providing contextual, step-by-step assistance to help you get started or troubleshoot issues.
- p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0″>
Direct File Actions: Select a recent file and instantly upload it to the Copilot chat window. From there, Copilot can summarize contents, identify items in images, or answer questions about the document—all without switching apps.
This integrated workflow aims to boost productivity by streamlining how you resume tasks, get support, and leverage AI insights on your files.
How Copilot Accesses Your Files: Security and Transparency
Microsoft emphasizes user privacy and transparency with this update. Here’s how Copilot handles your files:
- p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0″>
References Only What You’ve Used: Copilot lists only files you’ve recently accessed, pulling from standard Windows “Recent” folders. This behavior matches the way apps like Word or Photos track recent work.
- p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0″>
No Automatic Uploads: Files are never automatically uploaded or scanned across your system. Only files you attach to Copilot will be processed, and only for the actions you approve.
- p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0″>
Supported File Types: As of this update, Copilot supports uploads for formats including .png, .jpeg, .svg, .pdf, .docx, .xlsx, .csv, .json, and .txt. You can manage Copilot’s permissions in the settings menu to further control access and data handling.
Empowering Productivity with Vision and Guidance
Whether you’re planning a project, creating content, or catching up on work, the new Copilot app positions itself as a true co-pilot on your Windows journey:
- p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0″>
Real-Time Assistance: Use Vision to get real-time, on-screen guidance, summaries, and context-sensitive pointers about whatever is currently visible on your display.
- p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0″>
Attach for Insights: Drag or select files to the Copilot chat, and instantly receive AI-powered summaries or actionable insights.
- p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0″>
Feedback Loop: Microsoft encourages users to provide feedback on these features directly within the Copilot app by clicking their profile icon and selecting “Give feedback.”
Rollout Details and Availability
- p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0″>
Version Info: The update applies to Copilot app version 1.25082.132.0 and higher, available across all Windows Insider Channels via the Microsoft Store.
- p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0″>
Staggered Release: As is customary, Microsoft is gradually enabling these features, so not all Insiders will see them immediately. The company is gathering feedback to refine the experience before broader public distribution.
- p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0″>
Who Gets It?: While semantic search requires Copilot+ PCs, other features such as the updated home and Vision integration will be available to compatible devices enrolled in the Insider preview program.
“We are excited to be previewing improvements with our Insiders to ensure all our customers have a great Copilot experience on Windows.”
— Microsoft Copilot Team
Copilot Update for Windows: What’s Next?
The arrival of semantic file search and an intuitive home experience signals Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to integrating AI more deeply into the Windows ecosystem. With these enhancements, Copilot is set to become an indispensable productivity tool for both casual and power users—providing quick access, smarter search, and actionable insights with a strong focus on privacy and user choice.
About The Author
Discover more from Microsoft News Now
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
