Microsoft will add opt-in Copilot to Windows 11's new Search later this year

Microsoft is bringing Copilot integration to Windows 11’s new Search experience later this year, but this time it’ll be entirely opt-in

https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/copilot-is-coming-to-windows-11s-new-search-ui-later-this-year-but-microsoft-promises-itll-be-optional-this-time

The new Windows Search has been rebuilt with improved app and file results, settings controls, PC actions, rich previews, and less emphasis on web content. Copilot will eventually plug into that interface, offering quick answers directly within Search and the option to jump into the full Copilot app for longer conversations.

The integration builds on Microsoft’s earlier “Ask Copilot” Taskbar experiment, which was paused during testing. Unlike that implementation, Copilot won’t be a mandatory part of the new Search UI.

Microsoft says the Copilot integration will begin rolling out in select markets later this year, while the revamped Windows Search itself is expected before the end of 2026.