With the introduction of Copilot in Windows 11, Microsoft has taken a giant leap in improving user productivity by integrating artificial intelligence. One of the standout features of Copilot AI is its ability to search for files using natural language, making file management faster and more intuitive. This guide will walk you through how to use Copilot AI to search for files on your PC and streamline your workflow.
What You Need to Know:
Before you begin, make sure you have updated to the latest version of Copilot (1.25034.133.0 or higher) to access the file search feature. Copilot allows users to interact with their operating system using simple, natural language queries. Whether you’re looking for documents, spreadsheets, or PDFs, Copilot can help you locate the file you need with ease.
Step-by-Step Guide to Search Files with Copilot:
Step 1: To start, open the Copilot app on your Windows 11 device. This can be done by either clicking the Copilot icon on the taskbar or using the shortcut for quick access.
Step 2: In the Copilot app, click on your profile icon and select the “Settings” option from the menu.
Step 3: Under the settings menu, toggle on the “File Search” option. This enables Copilot to scan your computer for files and makes them searchable using natural language.
Step 4: For Copilot to read the contents of your files, toggle on the “File Reading” switch. This grants Copilot permission to access your documents, ensuring it can offer more precise search results.
Step 5: Once the setup is complete, you can go back to the Copilot prompt. Type in a file search query, such as “Show me the Word document from yesterday“, and hit enter or press the search button.
Step 6: Copilot will return results based on your search query. Select the appropriate file, and it will open using the corresponding application (for example, Microsoft Word for a .docx file). Copilot currently supports most common file formats, including .docx, .xlsx, .pptx, .txt, .pdf, and .json.
Benefits of Using Copilot for File Search:
- Enhanced Productivity: No need to dig through folders manually. Copilot helps you find files quickly, saving you time.
- Natural Language Queries: Simply type or speak your search query, making the process feel more like asking a colleague for help.
- Multi-File Format Support: Copilot supports various file types, including text, spreadsheets, presentations, and more.
Conclusion:
Copilot AI transforms how you search for files in Windows 11, providing a seamless and intuitive experience. By enabling natural language queries, Microsoft has made file management easier than ever before. Follow the steps above to start using Copilot for file searches and take your productivity to the next level.