Windows PCs Could Soon Get Apple-Like Spotlight Search Thanks To Google

Last Updated:September 18, 2025, 15:25 IST

Google is using its new AI model and other search platforms to bring local file discovery and more features to Windows users.

Spotlight helps mac users find apps, files and more. (Photo: AI generated)

Mac users have relied on Spotlight search tool to find files, and other content residing on their system. And Windows PCs could soon get their own version of Spotlight, except this one is powered by Google. The company is bringing the Google app that will work not only on the Windows 11 version but the older Windows 10 PCs as well. 

Google itself claims the Search app on Windows is designed to give a Spotlight-like experience for Windows users, which means you can search for files, installed apps and even content saved on the cloud. 

Spotlight Search For Windows: What Google Is Offering 

The new Google app for Windows is being tested with a limited group in the US for now through its Search Labs program. Google does offer a wide range of apps and tools for Windows PCs but this a first-of-kind option that should gradually come to more users. 

To use the Google app you need to press the Alt + Space keys which triggers the search tab and lets you request for files, apps or even search the web. The results will be offered in a detailed way and in different categories like Apps and websites. 

But having Google powering this feature means you can go beyond the standard Spotlight tool. You can make use of Google Lens to translate text from a page or a website or even copy the same to the clipboard seamlessly. And with Google on board, its AI-powered search mode will give enhanced responses and curate content by crawling through hundreds of websites like the regular AI mode in search for web and mobile users. 

AI usage has been mostly limited to mobile devices but this Google app opens and widens its AI horizon. You will need to sign in using the Google account which personalises the context and responses, and gives more AI-based results for your queries. 

It only works for people in the US who get to use the experimental app with limited access. We hope to see the app come to other regions and show its actual worth for Windows PCs which certainly lacks a Spotlight-like tool for search across local and the internet.

News tech Windows PCs Could Soon Get Apple-Like Spotlight Search Thanks To Google

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