Google Launches Desktop Search App for Windows

Google launched its new desktop app for Windows on Wednesday, making the tool available for global download in English for users running Windows 10 or 11. The app provides quick access to search functions across the web, local files, installed applications and Google Drive, activated by the keyboard shortcut Alt plus Space.

The application summons a floating search bar that overlays the desktop, allowing users to query information in a manner reminiscent of Apple's Spotlight feature on macOS. In standard mode, it retrieves results from Google Search alongside content from a user's computer or cloud storage. An integrated AI Mode, powered by Google's Gemini chatbot, enables more conversational interactions, such as follow-up questions or contextual analysis, with responses appearing in a separate floating window that includes citations for accuracy.

Additional capabilities include screen sharing, where users can select a specific window or the entire display to pose questions about on-screen content. This integrates with Google Lens for tasks like translating text from images, identifying objects, solving math problems or extracting information without interrupting workflows. The...