Windows 11's New Search Gets Inline Actions, Phone Actions and Richer Results
On October 30, 2026, Microsoft's Windows Insider Blog announced new Windows 11 Insider Preview builds that expand the redesigned Windows Search in the Experimental channels. New features include inline sliders for volume, brightness and cursor size; phone actions (calls, texts, Do Not Disturb) through a connected Phone Link device; richer results with file previews and web answers; result filters; and feedback controls. The update also adds a new Intune policy letting commercial customers keep Feedback Hub submissions private to their organization. [1]
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SeekVero editorial · Published · Prepared with AI assistance; no hands-on testing claimed.
Prepared from cited sources. No hands-on testing claimed.
Inline actions and phone actions in Search
Windows Search, in the Experimental and Experimental (26H1) channels, now lets you adjust your volume, screen brightness, or cursor size with inline sliders that appear directly in the search results. [1]
With a supported phone connected through Phone Link, you can call or text a friend and access phone actions such as Do Not Disturb directly from Search. Android support is available now, with iPhone support coming early next year. [1]
Richer results and filters
Search results can now preview files and show details such as a file's last modified date, location, and author. You can also get web answers for weather, stocks, and facts, and discover apps and games from the Microsoft Store; Store app results can be toggled on or off in Settings > Privacy & security > Search. [1]
You can scroll to see more results and filter them by Files & Folders, Settings, Actions, and more. [1]
Feedback controls and where Search opens
You can right-click a result or suggestion and choose thumbs up or thumbs down to say whether it was helpful, and remove items from the initial Search view before you type. [1]
The new Windows Search currently opens at the bottom center of the screen; Microsoft says work is underway to have it adapt to different taskbar positions and to searching from the Start menu. [1]
New Insider builds and a commercial feedback policy
On October 30, 2026, Microsoft released new Windows 11 Insider Preview builds to the Beta and Experimental channels, alongside a new commercial Feedback Hub policy. [1]
The new Intune policy lets commercial customers keep feedback submitted through Feedback Hub by users in their tenant private. When enabled, that feedback cannot be posted to the public community or shared with users outside the organization - it is accessible only to Microsoft and to users within the same tenant. [1]
| Option or question | What to know |
|---|---|
| Beta | Build 26220.9836. [1] |
| Experimental | Build 26340.9843. [1] |
| Beta (26H1) | Build 28020.3382. [1] |
| Experimental (26H1) | Build 28120.3393. [1] |
| Experimental (Future Platforms) | Build 29698.1000. [1] |
Frequently asked questions
Which Windows channels have the new Search features?
The inline actions, phone actions, richer results, filters and feedback controls are rolling out in the Experimental and Experimental (26H1) Insider channels. [1]
Does the new phone actions feature work with an iPhone?
Android support is available now; Microsoft says iPhone support is coming early next year. [1]
Can I turn off app results from the Microsoft Store in Search?
Yes. Like web results, app results from the Store can be toggled on or off in Settings > Privacy & security > Search. [1]
What is the new commercial Feedback Hub policy?
It is a new Intune policy that lets commercial customers keep their tenant's Feedback Hub submissions private, so feedback cannot be posted to the public community or shared outside the organization. [1]
Where does the new Windows Search open on screen?
It currently opens at the bottom center of the screen; Microsoft says it is working to have it adapt to different taskbar positions and to Start menu search. [1]
Next step
Microsoft's own blog post has the full build numbers and release notes for every channel.
Read the Windows Insider announcementProduct demos and reference material
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