The New Google App for Windows: Your Digital Sidekick Just Got a Promotion
Google is testing a new Windows app through Labs that combines AI-powered search, and seamless integration with Google services, all within a desktop experience.
By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor,
September 18, 2025
Here's a Cool Tip: Try the new Google App for Windows.
Google's new experimental app for Windows aims to clear that path, giving you instant access to information without ever breaking your stride.
Feature Explanation
Google's latest foray into desktop productivity isn't a browser and it's not a desktop widget.
It's a dedicated search application for Windows, designed for the singular purpose of putting the world's information at your fingertips, instantly.
The real magic happens with a simple keyboard shortcut, Alt + Space.
This command triggers a search bar that floats over any application you're currently using.
Need to find a file on your computer?
You can do that.
Looking for a document saved in your Google Drive?
It’s a unified search.
For deeper inquiries, the app includes an "AI Mode," which goes beyond simple links to provide comprehensive, AI-powered answers.
What You'll Gain
- Instant Access: Get the information you need without leaving your current application.
- Unified Search: Find files on your PC, in your Google Drive, and on the web with a single query.
- Smarter Research: Use Google Lens to search anything on your screen, from text to images.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here's how to do it,
This new Google app is currently a Windows-exclusive experiment. There are no direct equivalents for iOS or Android, as Google's mobile apps already offer integrated search functionality.
Microsoft Windows
- Join the Google Labs experiment to gain access, labs.google.com/search/experiment/40.
- Toggle On "Turn this experiment on to access the Google app for Windows".
- Select "Download App".
- Locate the installer file you downloaded.
- Open and install the dedicated Google app for Windows.
- Open the Google Search app.
- Turn on AI mode: Select your profile picture > Configuration > Toggle on "AI Mode".
- Press Alt + Space to instantly bring up the search bar, no matter which app you are in.
- Begin typing your query. The app provides results from your local files, Google Drive, and the web.
- Use the integrated Lens feature to select content on your screen for instant search.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Rapid Access: The Alt + Space shortcut lets you search instantly, minimizing interruptions to your workflow.
- Unified Search: Find files on your PC and in your Google Drive with a single, streamlined query.
- Screen-Level Intelligence: Google Lens integration allows you to search for text or images directly from whatever is on your screen.
- Efficiency: For students, educators, and professionals, this app is a genuine time-saver that eliminates tedious folder navigation.
Cons:
- Experimental Status: As a Labs feature, it may not be available to everyone and its functionality could change unexpectedly.
- Ecosystem Dependence: The app's full power, especially unified search, is most beneficial to those deeply integrated into the Google ecosystem.
- Performance Impact: The app runs as a background process, which could potentially slow down older or less powerful computers.
Feature Access
This feature is currently available to a limited number of users through an experimental opt-in program in Google Labs.
It requires no additional subscription and is available as a free download to those who are granted access to the experiment.
Score
Criterion | Score | JustificationValue 9This feature solves a genuine, everyday problem of context-switching, making it easier to access information from multiple sources without disrupting workflow.Usability 8The simplicity of a single keyboard shortcut makes it incredibly easy to use. The unified search interface is intuitive for anyone familiar with Google.Wow Factor 7The seamless integration of Google Lens and the unified search are clever and genuinely surprising features that will delight users.Total: 24/30👍 Good. Worth adopting for most users. This new Google app is a clear step forward in desktop productivity. Its ease of use and powerful unified search make it a valuable addition to the Windows ecosystem.
Key Takeaways
The new Google app for Windows is a powerful, lightweight tool that revolutionizes desktop search.
By consolidating searches across your device, cloud, and the web, it eliminates the need to constantly switch windows, saving you valuable time and effort.
It's a subtle but impactful productivity upgrade that's worth exploring for anyone looking to streamline their digital life.
Try It Yourself
Ready to take your productivity to the next level?
Give the new Google app for Windows a try today.
Leave a comment below with your first impressions, subscribe to our newsletter for more tips, and share this article with your team or network to help them work smarter, not harder!
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