Google Launches Experimental Windows Desktop Search App
Key Points
- Google’s new Windows app offers instant search via Alt + Space.
- Search spans local files, installed apps, Google Drive, and the web.
- Integrated Google Lens provides on‑screen image and text assistance.
- AI Mode handles complex, multi‑part queries with generative responses.
- Dark‑mode support and English‑only UI for U.S. users.
- Available through Google’s Search Labs experimental program.
- Requires Windows 10 or later to operate.
Google announced an experimental desktop application for Windows that lets users instantly search their computer, installed apps, Google Drive files, and the web using an Alt + Space shortcut. Modeled after macOS Spotlight, the app integrates Google Lens and an AI‑powered search mode, offering dark‑mode support and multilingual options. It is distributed through Google’s Search Labs program and currently runs on Windows 10 or later in English for U.S. users.
Overview of the New Desktop Search Tool
Google introduced a new experimental application designed specifically for Windows computers. The app provides a fast, unified search experience that reaches across local files, installed applications, Google Drive documents, and the broader internet. Users activate the search bar with a simple Alt + Space keyboard shortcut, mirroring the convenience of macOS’s Spotlight feature.
Core Capabilities
At its core, the tool aggregates results from multiple sources, enabling users to locate documents, launch software, retrieve cloud‑based files, and find web content without leaving the desktop interface. The search experience is enhanced by integrated Google Lens, which lets users select any on‑screen image or text and instantly receive translations, mathematical assistance, or other context‑aware information.
AI‑Driven Search Mode
Beyond traditional keyword queries, the application includes an AI Mode that processes complex, multi‑part questions. In this mode, Google’s generative AI generates detailed responses, drawing from a blend of local data and web knowledge. Users can switch between standard results, AI Mode, images, shopping, and video feeds, tailoring the output to their specific needs.
Customization and Accessibility
The interface offers a dark‑mode option for users who prefer a low‑light visual scheme. While the initial release supports English language settings for U.S. customers, the architecture allows for future localization. The app is accessible through Google’s Search Labs program, which encourages early adopters to test features and provide feedback before broader deployment.
System Requirements and Availability
To run the application, users need a Windows PC operating on Windows 10 or a newer version. The software is currently distributed via the Search Labs channel, meaning it is not yet part of Google’s standard product lineup. Early users can download the app, explore its capabilities, and contribute insights that may shape subsequent updates.