The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Windows Search is starting to do things, not just find them. Microsoft is testing an action-oriented Search experience in Windows 11 that lets you change settings, make quick adjustments, and manage windows directly from the search box, which is the closest Windows equivalent to Spotlight’s Quick Actions on macOS. The feature is a preview, not a general release. It began a gradual rollout to Windows Insiders in the Experimental channel on October 7, 2026, and English is the only language Microsoft lists as supported at launch.
What Microsoft announced
In its October 7, 2026 Windows Insider Blog post, “From searching to doing: Building a faster, more streamlined Windows Search,” Microsoft frames the change as a move from finding things to completing tasks. The examples it gives in the preview are:
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- Turning dark mode, Night Light, or Bluetooth on or off
- Dimming the screen or muting audio
- Minimizing all open windows
- Arranging windows on screen
Microsoft says it is “starting with the actions people rely on most” and will keep adding to them. The post’s author, Anshul Rawat, wrote: “We’re starting with the actions people rely on most and will continue building on that foundation over time.” The quote is attributed to the post’s author; the announcement does not name a separate spokesperson.
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The feature is limited to Windows Insiders, and Microsoft describes the rollout as gradual, so not every eligible Insider will see it on the same day. Microsoft lists the builds that carry the feature flag:
#1 Best Overall
- KEYBOARD: The keyboard works for Windows with hot keys that enable easy access to Media, My Computer, Mute, Volume up/down, and Calculator
- EASY SETUP: Experience simple installation with the USB wired connection
- VERSATILE COMPATIBILITY: This keyboard is designed to work with multiple Windows versions, including Vista, 7, 8, 10 offering broad compatibility across devices.
- SLEEK DESIGN: The elegant black color of the wired keyboard complements your tech and decor, adding a stylish and cohesive look to any setup without sacrificing function.
- FULL-SIZED CONVENIENCE: The standard QWERTY layout of this keyboard set offers a familiar typing experience, ideal for both professional tasks and personal use.
| Insider channel | Minimum build named by Microsoft | Language at launch |
|---|---|---|
| Experimental channel | 26340.9616 | English |
| Experimental (26H1) channel | 28120.3181 | English |
If you are on a different channel or build, the post does not say whether the feature will reach you later in the same preview cycle.
Enabling the feature flag
- Confirm you are running build 26340.9616 (Experimental) or 28120.3181 (Experimental 26H1). You can check under Settings > System > About.
- Open Settings > Windows Update, and select Check for updates. Install any pending Insider update.
- Restart the PC. Microsoft says the feature flag does not appear until both the update check and the restart are complete.
- Go to Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program > Feature flags.
- Turn on the Search-related flag for the new experience. Microsoft’s post does not quote the flag’s exact label, so look for the entry that relates to Search.
If the flag still does not appear after these steps, the gradual rollout has probably not reached your device yet. Microsoft’s announcement does not describe a manual workaround, and you should not attempt to force the feature through unofficial registry or package edits.
Rank #2
- All-day Comfort: The design of this standard keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and full-size standard layout with F-keys and number pad
- Easy to Set-up and Use: Set-up couldn't be easier, you simply plug in this corded keyboard via USB on your desktop or laptop and start using right away without any software installation
- Compatibility: This full-size keyboard is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later, plus it's a reliable and durable partner for your desk at home, or at work
- Spill-proof: This durable keyboard features a spill-resistant design (1), anti-fade keys and sturdy tilt legs with adjustable height, meaning this keyboard is built to last
- Plastic parts in K120 include 51% certified post-consumer recycled plastic*
Phone Link actions are planned, not included
Microsoft says actions for phones paired through Phone Link are coming. Those actions are not part of the initial preview, so do not expect to control your phone from Search yet.
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The Start menu is next
Microsoft says it is working to bring the new experience to the Start menu next year. During the initial previews, the existing Start menu search experience stays in place.
Rank #3
- All-day Comfort: This USB keyboard creates a comfortable and familiar typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and standard full-size layout with all F-keys, number pad and arrow keys
- Built to Last: The spill-proof (2) design and durable print characters keep you on track for years to come despite any on-the-job mishaps; it’s a reliable partner for your desk at home, or at work
- Long-lasting Battery Life: A 24-month battery life (4) means you can go for 2 years without the hassle of changing batteries of your wireless full-size keyboard
- Simply plug the USB receiver into a USB port on your desktop, laptop or netbook computer and start using the keyboard right away without any software installation
- Simply Wireless: Forget about drop-outs and delays thanks to a strong, reliable wireless connection with up to 33 ft range (5); K270 is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later
How it compares with Spotlight
Apple’s Spotlight guide lists opening, previewing, and locating results; Quick Actions; calculations; unit conversion; word lookups; clipboard history; and Siri requests. The Windows preview covers a narrower set of actions so far, centered on system toggles and window management. The two products overlap on Quick Actions-style control, but the sources do not support a claim that Windows has matched Spotlight’s full feature set.
| Capability | Spotlight on Mac (Apple Support guide) | Windows Search action preview (Microsoft, October 7, 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Locating and opening results | Documented | Existing search continues; not changed by the announcement |
| Quick Actions | Documented | Settings toggles and quick adjustments (dark mode, Night Light, Bluetooth, screen dimming, muting) |
| Window management | Not stated in the Apple guide | Minimize all windows; arrange windows on screen |
| Calculations and unit conversion | Documented | Not stated in the Microsoft announcement |
| Clipboard history and word lookups | Documented | Not stated in the Microsoft announcement |
| Phone actions | Not stated in the Apple guide | Planned through Phone Link; not in the initial preview |
| Availability | Shipping on macOS; the Apple guide notes that availability varies by OS version, device, language, and region | Limited Insider preview; English at launch; gradual rollout |
The comparison is by scope and availability only. Apple and Microsoft have not published a controlled side-by-side test, and the table should not be read as a measure of quality.
Rank #4
- Durable and Reliable: This USB keyboard features a curved space bar, spill-resistant design (2), durable keys that can withstand 10 million keystrokes, and sturdy, adjustable tilt legs
- Comfortable, Familiar Typing: You’ll enjoy a comfortable and familiar typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and standard layout with full-size F-keys and number pad
- Full-size Sculpted Mouse: The high-definition optical USB mouse puts comfort and control in your hands with smooth, accurate tracking and an ambidextrous shape that feels good hour after hour
- Simple Set-Up: Simply plug the keyboard and mouse into the USB ports on your desktop, laptop, or netbook and you're ready to work; compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later
- Clear and Convenient: The bold, bright white and long-lasting characters make the keys on this PC or laptop keyboard easy to read and extra durable
Earlier Windows Search changes
A separate Windows Insider post dated July 13, 2026, “Improving Windows Search Box, with less clutter and more control,” describes a different set of changes. Those included reducing clutter, labeling result sources more clearly, removing promotional content from web results, letting users control whether web and Microsoft Store suggestions appear, prioritizing local matches when they are more relevant, tolerating typos in app search, improving file search, and improving reliability. These were also staged rollouts for Insiders, so they should not be assumed to appear on every Windows 11 PC.
The July changes concern result quality and control. The October preview adds actions inside the same search box, so the two are related but separate.
Best Value
- 7 Unique Backlight Color: 7 Elegant LED backlight with 3 brightness level.
- Easy Setup: Simply insert the 1.2M (4 feet) USB wire into your computer and use the keyboard instantly.
- Ergonomic design: Scissors X structure gives you the comfortable typing experience, low-profile keys offer quiet and comfortable typing.
- Ultra Thin and Light: Compact size (16.7 X 4.5 X 0.24in) and light weight (17.4oz) but provides full size keys, arrow keys, number pad, shortcuts for comfortable typing.
- Package contents: Arteck Backlit USB wired Keyboard, welcome guide, our 24-month warranty and friendly customer service.
File indexing settings are background only
Microsoft’s support article “Search indexing in Windows” describes two indexing modes. Classic indexes common folders such as Documents, Pictures, Music, and Desktop by default. Enhanced indexes all user folders and files, and it can use more system resources. These settings affect file search. Microsoft has not said that the new action features depend on either indexing mode, so do not treat indexing as a prerequisite for the preview.
What is not yet established
- General availability: the October 7 post describes a preview only and gives no date for release to all Windows 11 users.
- Languages beyond English: Microsoft lists English as the initial supported language and does not give a schedule for others.
- The full list of actions: the examples are described as a starting set, and Microsoft has not published a complete catalog.
- Phone Link actions: these are planned, with no release timing given.
- Performance or usage data: neither Microsoft nor Apple has published figures on speed, time saved, or adoption for this feature.
Windows Central also covered the announcement on October 7, 2026. That coverage is useful context, but the feature details, build numbers, and rollout status in this article come from Microsoft’s own post.
Quick Recap
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