Windows 11: Microsoft dépouille le menu de recherche et réduit la publicité

Microsoft has announced changes to the search menu in Windows 11, aiming to make it more streamlined and reduce advertising. The company stated these updates will enhance user experience by simplifying the interface and minimizing distractions. According to a blog post published on Monday, the modifications are part of ongoing efforts to improve the operating system, which were initially outlined in January. While the focus back then was on performance improvements, this latest update addresses user feedback regarding clutter and promotional content. The new design will feature a revised search screen that displays only recent queries, removing elements such as the picture of the day, quizzes, trending searches, app recommendations, and other non-essential tiles. This change aims to eliminate distractions and provide users with a clearer view of their search history. Additionally, web search results will prioritize the “most relevant answer” upfront, rather than including unrelated products or advertisements. These adjustments are intended to make information retrieval faster and more efficient. Microsoft is also testing additional enhancements to the search menu. Metadata will be presented more clearly, allowing users to better understand the origin of each result. A preview of selected files will appear on the right side of the search menu, making it easier to identify where a result came from. The updated search system will give preference to local files, apps, and settings over web-based and store recommendations, ensuring more reliable outcomes. Users will find system folders like “This PC” and “Recycle Bin” more easily accessible through improved navigation. Another improvement involves making app searches more forgiving of typos. The system will handle missing letters, extra characters, or incomplete word entries, ensuring that even misspelled queries still yield accurate results. For example, searching for “utlook” will still bring up the Outlook application. This enhancement reflects Microsoft’s commitment to improving usability and reducing frustration during the search process. These changes represent just one aspect of broader updates planned for Windows 11. The company has promised fewer intrusive notifications related to artificial intelligence and smoother, less stressful update processes. By the end of the year, Microsoft also plans to optimize memory usage, making the operating system less resource-intensive than previous versions. These developments signal a shift toward a more user-friendly and efficient computing environment. The updates will first be available to Windows Insiders in the “Experimental” channel before being gradually rolled out to all users through controlled feature releases. This phased approach ensures stability while allowing for continuous refinement based on user feedback. As part of its ongoing effort to refine the user experience, Microsoft continues to address concerns raised by its community, demonstrating a responsiveness to evolving expectations.