Microsoft continues to evolve Windows 11 with new features and improvements, particularly as the Windows 10 end-of-support deadline approaches in October 2025. Recent announcements reveal significant changes to the Windows 11 search experience, with Microsoft Store integration raising eyebrows among users concerned about search result relevance and system bloat.
Microsoft Store Apps Coming to Windows 11 Search Results
Microsoft has announced that Windows 11's search functionality will soon display relevant Microsoft Store apps directly in search results. Giorgio Sardo, VP of App Store at Microsoft, revealed this upcoming feature on social media, showcasing how users typing a search query like gram would see the Grammarly app presented in results with a prominent Get button for immediate installation. This integration means users won't need to separately visit the Microsoft Store to discover and install relevant applications.
User Reception and Concerns
The announcement has been met with mixed reactions, with many users expressing concern about further cluttering of search results. The immediate response to Microsoft's announcement centered around whether this feature could be disabled, reflecting growing user frustration with what some perceive as unnecessary additions to the operating system. Many Windows users already find the current search experience problematic, with complaints about irrelevant results being a common issue.
Other Search Improvements in the Pipeline
Beyond Microsoft Store integration, Windows 11 is receiving additional search enhancements. Microsoft is introducing natural language search functionality, though this AI-powered feature will be exclusive to Copilot+ PCs. The company is also working on improving Windows settings search capabilities, allowing users to more easily locate specific system configurations. These improvements are part of a broader effort to enhance the Windows 11 search experience across multiple contexts.
Windows 11 Search Updates:
- Microsoft Store apps will appear in search results
- Natural language search coming (Copilot+ PCs only)
- Windows settings search improvements
Windows 11 Upgrade Options for Incompatible PCs
As Microsoft prepares to end Windows 10 support in October 2025, many users with older hardware are exploring upgrade options. Despite Microsoft's strict hardware requirements for Windows 11, including TPM 2.0 and specific CPU compatibility, there are documented workarounds for most PCs originally built for Windows 10. Users can employ registry edits or use tools like the Rufus utility to bypass compatibility checks during installation.
Hardware Requirements and Limitations
Not all older PCs can be upgraded to Windows 11, particularly with version 24H2's additional restrictions. The newest Windows 11 builds require CPUs that support specific instructions (SSE4.2 and PopCnt), making upgrades impossible for computers built before 2009 (Intel) or 2013 (AMD). Additionally, systems must support UEFI boot mode rather than legacy BIOS, and some form of TPM must be present, even if it's the older 1.2 version rather than the officially required 2.0.
Windows 11 Upgrade Requirements:
- TPM (version 1.2 minimum, 2.0 officially required)
- UEFI boot mode (not legacy BIOS)
- CPU compatibility (Intel 2009+ or AMD 2013+ for version 24H2)
- SSE4.2 and PopCnt instruction support
Microsoft's Balancing Act
Microsoft faces the challenge of modernizing Windows while maintaining compatibility with existing hardware. The company's approach to Windows 11 represents a significant departure from previous Windows upgrade cycles, with stricter hardware requirements justified by security and performance considerations. At the same time, Microsoft continues to add new features like the Microsoft Store search integration that may not be universally welcomed by its user base.
Looking Ahead
As the Windows 10 end-of-support deadline approaches, Microsoft will likely continue refining Windows 11 with both new features and improvements to existing functionality. Whether the company will respond to user feedback regarding the Microsoft Store search integration remains to be seen, but the history of Windows development suggests that user pushback can sometimes influence feature implementation or at least result in options to disable controversial additions.