Microsoft is testing an interesting new change in Windows 10. The company released a new Windows 10 19H1 build earlier in the week with some new features, and although it didn’t officially announce the change, it seems like the company is A/B testing some changes to the taskbar.

Windows 10 19H1 could split up Cortana and Search into two different buttons: search, and Cortana. Search will allow you to search the web as well as your local files, apps, documents, emails, etc., while Cortana will simply be the place for keeping track of your Cortana Notebook, Reminders, Cortana Settings, and Cortana-powered devices. You’ll also be able to perform voice commands as usual.

The change doesn’t seem to be available for everyone, which means it is still something Microsoft is thinking about. Splitting up Search and Cortana could affect Cortana’s usage, and it will simply clutter up the taskbar even more. Microsoft has tested moving Cortana in other parts of the OS in the past, though the company has never really made any of those changes public. The latest test is arguably much smaller, and depending on user feedback, it could make it through to the public in a few months time.

Thanks for the tip, Michael!

Tagged with Cortana, Search, Windows 10