Google launches experimental Windows app in Labs

Google announced on September 16, 2025, the launch of an experimental Windows desktop application through its Labs testing program. The new tool enables users to search across computer files, installed applications, Google Drive content, and web results without switching between windows or interrupting their current workflow.

According to Vinay Mahagaokar, Group Product Manager for Google Search, the application addresses user demands for seamless search functionality during active tasks. "Now you can search without switching windows or interrupting your flow. Whether you're writing in a doc or in the middle of a game, just press Alt + Space to instantly search for information from your computer files, installed apps, Google Drive files — and of course, the web," Mahagaokar stated in the official announcement.

The Windows application integrates Google Lens technology directly into the desktop environment. Users can select and search any content visible on their screen, enabling translation of images or text and assistance with homework problems. The visual search capability extends the functionality beyond traditional text-based queries to include multimodal interactions with on-screen content.

AI Mode integration provides users with enhanced response capabilities within the desktop application. "You can also get deeper AI-powered responses in AI Mode and keep exploring with follow-up questions and helpful links," according to the announcement. This feature connects to Google's experimental AI search functionality, which has been expanding across multiple platforms throughout 2025.

The Alt+Space keyboard shortcut serves as the primary activation method for the Windows application. This implementation follows desktop software conventions while maintaining Google's emphasis on rapid access to search functionality. The shortcut remains consistent regardless of the user's current application or system state.

Technical specifications indicate the application searches multiple data sources simultaneously. Computer files receive equal treatment alongside web content, creating a unified search experience that spans local and cloud-based information. Google Drive integration enables users to locate documents stored in their cloud accounts without accessing the web interface directly.

The Labs designation indicates experimental status for the Windows application. Google utilizes its Labs program to test new features before broader deployment consideration. Previous Labs experiments have included AI-powered finance tools, audio overviews for search queries, and Web Guide functionality that organizes search results through artificial intelligence.

Search marketing professionals should monitor this development carefully, as desktop applications represent a significant departure from traditional web-based search interactions. The Windows app potentially affects how users discover and interact with online content, particularly when AI Mode provides comprehensive responses that reduce the need for website visits.

The announcement follows Google's systematic expansion of AI search capabilities throughout 2025. AI Mode testing began with homepage button integration in June 2025, followed by enhanced features including embedded links and Web Guide functionality. Canvas and video search features launched in July 2025, demonstrating the company's comprehensive approach to AI-powered search deployment.

Competition in desktop search applications remains limited compared to web-based alternatives. Microsoft's integration of Copilot into Windows provides some similar functionality, though Google's approach emphasizes cross-platform file access through Google Drive integration. The experimental nature suggests Google is evaluating user adoption before committing to broader Windows application development.

Privacy implications for the desktop application remain unclear from the initial announcement. Users will be providing Google with access to local file systems, installed applications, and on-screen content through the Lens integration. The Labs program typically involves different data handling procedures compared to standard Google services, though specific protocols for the Windows application have not been disclosed.

Marketing teams utilizing Google's ecosystem should evaluate how the Windows application affects user behavior patterns. Desktop search functionality may influence keyword strategies, particularly for businesses with significant Google Drive presence or those targeting users during specific workflow scenarios. The AI Mode integration suggests responses may synthesize information rather than directing users to original websites.

User interface design emphasizes minimalism consistent with Google's broader design philosophy. The application activates through keyboard shortcuts rather than persistent desktop presence, reducing system resource requirements while maintaining accessibility. Screen search capabilities through Lens integration provide visual discovery methods that complement traditional text-based queries.

The experimental launch demonstrates Google's continued investment in desktop computing despite the company's primary focus on web-based services. Windows users represent a significant portion of Google's search audience, making native application development strategically important for maintaining search market share against competitors developing integrated desktop experiences.

Feature availability requires active participation in Google's Labs program. Users must opt into experimental functionality through the Labs website, indicating Google's cautious approach to desktop application deployment. This controlled rollout enables the company to gather user feedback and behavioral data before determining whether to expand availability.

Educational applications appear prominently in the announcement materials, with homework assistance and research capabilities highlighted as primary use cases. Students working across multiple applications and information sources may find particular value in unified search functionality that spans local and cloud-based resources.

The September 16 announcement coincides with Google's broader Chrome browser updates announced two days later on September 18. These simultaneous developments suggest coordinated efforts to enhance user experiences across Google's desktop software offerings while maintaining competitive positioning against Microsoft's integrated Windows experience.

Timeline

• June 11, 2025: Google begins testing AI Mode button directly in homepage search bar through Search Labs experiments
• June 13, 2025: Google introduces Audio Overviews for search queries in Labs experiment with Gemini-powered conversational summaries
• June 30, 2025: Google launches new Search Console Insights report integrated directly into main interface
• July 24, 2025: Google breaks publishers' business models with new AI search experiment called Web Guide
• July 29, 2025: Google expands AI search with new canvas and video features including real-time video analysis
• August 12, 2025: Google launches preferred sources feature in Top Stories for users in United States and India
• August 25, 2025: Google expands NotebookLM video overviews to 80 languages worldwide with multilingual capabilities
• August 27, 2025: Google Finance expands AI testing access through Search Labs opt-in following positive user feedback
• September 16, 2025: Google launches experimental Windows app in Labs with Alt+Space search functionality
• September 18, 2025: Chrome integrates Gemini AI with agentic browsing and enhanced security features across desktop platforms

Summary

Who: Vinay Mahagaokar, Group Product Manager for Google Search, announced the experimental Windows desktop application launch for users enrolled in Google's Labs testing program.

What: An experimental Windows application that enables unified searching across computer files, installed applications, Google Drive content, and web results through Alt+Space keyboard activation, featuring integrated Google Lens for screen content analysis and AI Mode for enhanced responses.

When: Google announced the Windows application on September 16, 2025, making it immediately available through the Labs experimental program for users who opt into testing new search features.

Where: The application operates on Windows desktop computers for users globally who participate in Google's Labs program, accessing local file systems alongside cloud-based Google Drive content and web search results.

Why: The development addresses user workflow interruption caused by switching between applications during research tasks, while advancing Google's competitive position in desktop computing through AI-powered search integration and multimodal interaction capabilities.