Can Windows 11 Search change your settings now — without opening Settings at all?

Microsoft is rolling out inline actions in Windows 11 Search to Beta Channel Insiders on Build 26320.9876 and later, so plain requests like turn on dark mode or enable Bluetooth happen right in the search results. Here is how Insiders can try it, and the WIN+S detail that trips people up.

You’re trying to turn on dark mode at night and you’re three menus deep in Settings, still clicking. Short answer: yes — if you’re a Windows Insider. Microsoft is rolling out ‘inline actions’ in Windows 11 Search to the Beta Channel with Build 26320.9876, released November 6 and later updated to 26320.9877 with no added features.

You type a plain request like ‘turn on dark mode’ and Search handles it right in the results. It has not reached regular PCs, and Microsoft has announced no general-availability date.Why it matters: Search stops being just a finder and starts being a doer. Along with dark mode and Bluetooth, inline actions can control audio and brightness and manage app windows and snapping.

Keep expectations realistic, though: the rollout is gradual, so not every Insider gets it at once; it works with an English display language only at first; not every command is supported; and some requests may still ask for confirmation or open Settings after all.How to try it, if you’re an Insider:1. Join the Beta Channel. Enroll in the Windows Insider Program on the Beta Channel if you want an early look — remember, this is preview software.2.

Update your build. Install Build 26320.9876 or later (26320.9877 is the current one) through Windows Update.3. Set your display language to English.

Inline actions only work in English for now.4. Press WIN+S. Or use the Search box on the taskbar — deliberately not the Start menu, for the reason in the pro tip below.5.

Type it like you’d say it. Try ‘turn on dark mode’ or ‘enable Bluetooth,’ then use the inline result or slider that appears in the results.Pro tip: Don’t hunt for it in Start-menu search — that path still shows the old interface. WIN+S or the taskbar Search box is the way in.Ad’s take: This is the kind of small change that actually saves you time every single day.

I’ll be glad when it reaches everybody’s PC, not just the testers.