Not as one blanket rule. Microsoft says Copilot+ PC semantic-index data stays on the device (or eligible Windows 365 Cloud PC storage) and is not stored by Microsoft or used to train AI models. But Windows Search can also show Bing web results and content from connected cloud accounts, which follow different data paths. Recall and Copilot PC insights are separate features with their own controls.
What happens to files in Copilot+ PC semantic search?
On Copilot+ PCs, Windows combines traditional indexing with semantic indexing so a search can find related concepts as well as exact terms—for example, a search for “pasta” might return content about lasagna. Microsoft says semantic indexing is enabled by default on Copilot+ PCs.
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Microsoft says semantic-index data is stored locally on the PC, or in local Cloud PC storage on supported AI-enabled Windows 365 devices; it says the data is not stored by Microsoft and is not used to train AI models. This is Microsoft’s description of the feature, not an independent network test. Microsoft also cautions that installed apps may be able to read data in the index, so local storage does not mean that no software on the computer can access it.
Microsoft lists these supported file types for semantic indexing: .txt, .pdf, .docx, .doc, .rtf, .pptx, .ppt, .xls, .xlsx, .jpg, .jpeg, .png, .gif, .bmp, and .ico. Details are in Microsoft’s Search indexing in Windows documentation.
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Choose what Windows indexes
In Windows 11, open Settings > Privacy & security > Searching Windows to customize search locations. From there, Advanced indexing options lets you exclude specific locations or file types. For a file type, Windows can index properties only or properties and content. With properties-only indexing, the file name remains searchable but the file’s contents do not.
When can Windows Search send a query or show cloud content?
Taskbar Search can return results from the device, a personal Microsoft account—including OneDrive and Outlook—a work or school account—including OneDrive for Business, SharePoint, and other Microsoft services—or the web. A result from a connected account is not the same thing as a result from the local semantic index. Microsoft’s Windows Search and Privacy page describes these result sources and the related settings.
Microsoft says Windows Search web results and search suggestions are powered by Bing. For Bing searches, Microsoft says it collects search terms and associated information such as IP address and location, cookie identifiers, date and time, and browser configuration. If you are signed in to Bing with a Microsoft account, search activity may appear in the Microsoft privacy dashboard, where you can revisit search terms and clicked results and clear search history.
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Microsoft says deleting search history removes it from the Microsoft account, although some copies may remain in backups for a limited time. Its published description also says identifiable data is used less for personalization after 18 months, and that Microsoft is moving toward retaining authenticated-user data for up to five years to improve products and services, after removing sensitive information and applying privacy safeguards. These are Microsoft’s stated practices and may change; see How Microsoft stores and maintains your search history.
Manage cloud and account search
In Windows 11, go to Settings > Privacy & security > Search permissions to review Cloud content search and the Microsoft-account and work-or-school-account options. Search history associated with a work or school account is managed through the corresponding signed-in account.
Is Recall part of Windows Search?
No. Recall is a separate Copilot+ PC feature that saves screen snapshots if you opt in. Microsoft says snapshots and their associated data are stored locally, and that no internet or cloud connection is required or used to save and analyze them. It says snapshots are not shared with Microsoft or third parties. Separate from that snapshot processing, some diagnostic data may be sent according to Windows privacy settings; sending Recall feedback sends data to Microsoft and can include screenshots attached to the feedback. Microsoft currently describes Recall as being in preview.
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Microsoft says Recall snapshots and associated vector-database information are encrypted and access is protected through Windows Hello. You can pause or turn off saving, delete snapshots, and manage retention and storage under Settings > Privacy & security > Recall & snapshots. Microsoft’s details are in Privacy and control over your Recall experience.
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Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What about Copilot PC insights?
PC insights in the Copilot on Windows app is another distinct, opt-in experimental feature, with availability rolling out gradually. When you ask about your PC or files, Microsoft says Copilot identifies the information needed and asks permission before accessing system or file data. After approval, it retrieves only the specific data needed. Microsoft says personal files and system information are not stored or used to train models.
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That does not mean the interaction has no separate data use: Microsoft says prompts and responses may be used to improve the experience, including training models, depending on Copilot settings. The feature does not access organizational Microsoft 365 data such as work email, Teams chats, calendars, or organization documents. See Microsoft’s PC insights documentation.
How to check which data path you are using
- Identify the feature behind the result. A local file result, a Bing web result, content from OneDrive or a work account, a Recall snapshot, and a Copilot PC-insights answer have different data handling.
- Review local indexing. Open Settings > Privacy & security > Searching Windows, check indexed locations, and use Advanced indexing options to adjust locations or file-content indexing.
- Review connected search sources. Open Settings > Privacy & security > Search permissions and check Cloud content search and account options. For Bing activity, use the Microsoft privacy dashboard if signed in.
- Review separate AI features if you use them. Manage snapshots in Settings > Privacy & security > Recall & snapshots. For PC insights, review its permission prompt and Copilot settings.
These statements describe particular features in Microsoft’s documentation; they do not establish that every Windows Search request or all diagnostic telemetry always remain on-device across every Windows build and account configuration. Settings and availability can vary with the device, account, and feature rollout.
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