Windows Search phone link: call and text

The new Windows Search can call or text a friend through Phone Link, in Windows Insider builds released Oct. 30. Android phones work now. iPhone support is coming early next year. Microsoft has not given a date for when this reaches everyone.

What is new

The change is in the new Windows Search, which the post lists for the Experimental and Experimental (26H1) channels. In its Windows Insider post, Stephen Lines wrote: "With a supported phone connected through Phone Link, you can now call or text a friend and access phone actions such as Do Not Disturb. Android support is available now with iPhone support coming early next year."

Search also gets inline sliders: "Adjust your volume, screen brightness, or cursor size with inline sliders." Microsoft says actions now have clearer labels, and suggested actions help you find more things you can do.

Richer results

Search can now preview files, and it shows web answers for weather, stocks and facts. It also lists apps and games from the Microsoft Store. You can turn the Store results off in Settings > Privacy & security > Search. You can filter results by Files & Folders, Settings, Actions and more, and give a thumbs up or down on a result.

The new Search "opens at the bottom center of the screen." Microsoft says it is working on other taskbar positions and on searching from the Start menu.

What this means for you

Not yet on your PC: Microsoft lists it for Insider builds 26340.9843 (Experimental) and 28120.3393 (Experimental 26H1). Phone Link calls and texts are not something you can count on in regular Windows 11 yet.
No date: Microsoft has not said when it ships to everyone.
Phone Link needed: calls and texts need a supported phone connected through Phone Link. Android works now; iPhone is planned for early next year.
Store results are optional: the toggle is in Settings > Privacy & security > Search.

For another recent Windows change, see Windows 11 memory changes for 8GB PCs. If you want phone and computer to work together, see how to link an Android phone to a Googlebook. More is in Computing.