In the latest Windows 11 Build 27695, a new AI-powered feature is on the horizon that could revolutionize how users search for content stored on their devices. Available to Windows Insiders on the Canary Channel, this update hints at the introduction of a “smart media search” tool. This feature leverages a locally run AI algorithm to scan and transcribe every word within audio and video files stored on a user’s computer, making them searchable through the Windows search function.
Imagine being able to search for a specific phrase or keyword, not just in documents or emails, but in any audio or video file on your device. That’s the promise of smart media search. According to early descriptions, the feature will allow users to locate media files by the words spoken within them, transforming how we interact with our digital content. While this tool is not yet active in any test builds, its presence in the code suggests that Insiders could soon get their hands on it.
Here’s how it will work: when the smart media search feature is enabled, the system will prompt users to agree to the scanning of all media files stored locally. An AI model will then be downloaded and installed in the background to begin transcribing the content. Once the transcription is complete, these media files will be indexed, allowing users to search for specific words within the audio and video content directly from the Windows search bar.
This upcoming feature seems to be closely tied to the Recall feature, which is set to roll out to Insiders in October. Recall, another AI-driven tool, will record and index all user interactions across applications and web browsing, creating a detailed history of user activity. Both features are designed to harness the power of AI, but they come with certain hardware requirements—specifically, a Windows 11 computer equipped with a powerful processor featuring a built-in Neural Processing Unit (NPU) to efficiently handle AI tasks.
As AI continues to integrate more deeply into our everyday tech, features like smart media search could significantly enhance productivity and change the way we manage and retrieve our digital content. Stay tuned as this feature, along with Recall, promises to redefine the Windows experience for Insiders and, eventually, all users.
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