Google's new Windows app brings AI search to your desktop
Google just launched its desktop app for Windows globally in English, featuring built-in AI Mode search. The Alt + Space keyboard shortcut lets users quickly search the web, local files, installed apps, and Google Drive without leaving their workflow, while screen sharing and Google Lens enable instant contextual questions about anything on-screen.
Instead of keeping a browser tab pinned open all day, Windows users can now get Google baked directly into their desktop workflow.
Google just rolled out its upgraded desktop app globally in English, announced by Group Product Manager Vinay Mahagaokar. The goal is simple: let people search and ask questions without breaking their flow.
Everything Google, one shortcut away
Pressing Alt + Space brings up a unified search box anywhere on Windows. It combs through standard web results, locally stored files, installed software, and your Google Drive files in one place.
Under the hood, the app integrates Google's AI Mode to deliver direct conversational answers accompanied by web links. It also borrows tools from mobile, adding screen sharing and Google Lens so you can select a specific window or on-screen area to translate foreign text or solve homework problems without switching contexts.
Why it matters
Google is making an unapologetic land grab on Microsoft's home turf. By tying Alt + Space to both desktop files and cloud drives, it is basically trying to replace the native Windows search bar and Copilot as your daily starting point.
If you already spend half your day in Google Workspace, this is an easy install that eliminates annoying tab hopping. That said, it is currently locked to English, so non-English users will have to wait before changing their desktop search habits.
Sources (1)
- blog.google(opens in a new tab)Originalblog.google