Windows Insider Previews Improve Search and Bring Memory Checks

Microsoft is distributing new test versions of its Windows desktop operating system through the Insider channels. The search function has been improved in several areas, and after crashes, a quick memory check is expected to provide insights in the future.

In the release announcements for the Insider Beta and Insider Developer Channel channels, Microsoft summarizes the new features added for testing. Many of these features are rolled out by Microsoft gradually, meaning not all Insider users will receive them immediately. This includes the improvement of the Windows search box in the taskbar. It now learns “Copy & Search.” If a user selects and copies text in Windows, the search box will display the prompt “Search copied text.”

Voice typing for dictating text or controlling Windows gets an option to influence the waiting time before execution. This is intended to offer users with different speaking styles greater flexibility and provide more accurate recognition -- regardless of whether someone speaks slowly or quickly. This applies to all desktop PCs, not just Copilot+ PCs, the developers explain.

Memory Checks

Microsoft is adding a quick memory scan function to enhance system reliability. After an unexpected computer restart, Windows can now display a prompt suggesting to start a quick memory scan. If affected users perform this scan, Windows plans a “Windows Memory Diagnostic” run for the next restart. This normally takes five minutes or less, after which Windows restarts normally. If a memory error is found and bypassed, a corresponding notification will appear after the reboot.

In the early version of this feature, all bug checks (causes of crashes) are enabled as triggers -- the developers want to investigate the connection between memory errors and crashes. In the future, a finer preselection is to be made here. The function is not supported on ARM64 architectures, systems with Administrator Protection enabled, and on systems with Bitlocker but without Secure Boot.

In Settings, the device information cards will display clearer information, and under “About” (or “Info”), the details will be more organized. Searching in Settings allows you to scroll through search results in the expanded results list without needing to navigate to another page. The updates correct several other minor annoyances and bring small improvements, which interested parties can find in the overviews linked at the beginning.

Two weeks ago, Microsoft missed the Insider previews with a command-line editor again as standard again. It had previously been removed from the 64-bit Windows versions. Additionally, the developers have revised the Start menu.

(dmk)