Google’s Windows desktop app puts AI Mode inside a desktop search launcher. Google announced on April 14, 2026, that the app was available to Windows users globally in English. That does not mean AI Mode itself works for every account, country, or language.
What Google announced
Google’s announcement covers the upgraded Google app for desktop, with AI Mode built into Google Search—not a blanket expansion of every AI Mode feature to every user. Google says the Windows app is available globally in English. The announcement was made by Vinay Mahagaokar, Google’s Group Product Manager for Search. Read Google’s announcement.
The product page lists Windows 10 or later desktop devices and users aged 13 or older as requirements. Google separately cautions that AI Mode in Search is not supported for all accounts, countries, and languages. So a person may be able to use the app while not having access to AI Mode, depending on their account and location. See Google’s app page.
How to use Google AI Mode on Windows
Open the desktop search box
- Install the Google app for desktop from Google’s official app page, if it is available to your Windows device.
- Press Alt + Space to open the app’s search box.
- Enter a search or question. The app can search the web, files on your computer, installed apps, and Google Drive files.
Ask about what is on screen
Google describes two ways to use screen context: share a selected window or the full screen and ask a question about it, or use Lens to select content on screen and search for it. These are distinct from ordinary web or file searches; what you can use may depend on whether AI Mode is available for your account and language. Google’s AI Mode help page explains availability limitations.
#1 Best Overall
- 14" diagonal, 1366x768 resolution, HD BrightView LED, Glossy NON-TOUCH Display
What the app can search and do
- Web: Find information on the internet through Google Search.
- Computer: Search local files and installed apps.
- Google Drive: Search files stored in Drive.
- Screen context: Ask about a shared window or screen, or select screen content with Lens to search it.
Google’s materials describe these capabilities but do not establish comparative performance or privacy advantages over other search or AI tools. The app brings search functions to the desktop; Google does not say it replaces the browser.
What Google’s AI Mode usage figures mean
At its May 19, 2026 I/O Search announcement, Google said AI Mode had surpassed one billion monthly users and that AI Mode queries had more than doubled every quarter since launch. These are company-reported figures for AI Mode overall, not adoption statistics for the Windows desktop app. Google’s I/O Search announcement.
Rank #2
- 1.1 GHz (boost up to 2.4GHz) Intel Celeron N5030 Quad-Core
- 4GB DDR4 System Memory; 128GB Solid State Drive
- 11.6" HD (1366 x 768) Multi-Touch Display
- Combo headphone/microphone jack - Noble Wedge Lock slot - HDMI; 2 USB 3.1 Gen 1
- Windows 11 Pro
Privacy and activity controls
Google says it uses interactions with Search and generative AI experiences to develop and improve those experiences. Its Search Help information points users to Search History controls for managing AI Mode activity. Google notes that Search service settings are being updated, so the available controls and their wording may change. Check the live settings and help page before changing or relying on a particular control. Google Search Help.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- WINDOWS 11 | STABLE PERFORMANCE: Powered by Intel Celeron N4020 processor and Windows 11 system, this laptop delivers stable performance for everyday computing tasks. It supports web browsing, online learning, document editing, email communication, and basic office work with optimized power efficiency, providing a practical and reliable experience for essential daily use for daily use.
- 15.6” FHD IPS DISPLAY: Features a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display with narrow bezels, offering wider viewing angles and clearer image details compared to standard panels. The improved screen-to-body ratio enhances visual experience for study, reading, document work, and video playback, making it suitable for both productivity and entertainment use.
- 4GB DDR4 + 128GB eMMC STORAGE: Equipped with 4GB DDR4 memory and 128GB eMMC storage for everyday basics such as browsing, documents, email, and online learning platforms. The built-in TF card slot supports storage expansion up to 1TB, giving you more flexibility for files, photos, videos, and daily documents. TF card not included.
- CONNECTIVITY & PORTS: Includes 1× TF card slot, 2× USB 3.2 Gen1 ports, and 2× full-featured Type-C ports (USB 3.2 Gen1). The Type-C ports support data transfer, charging, and video output, enabling flexible connection with external devices such as monitors, storage, and peripherals for daily work and study use.
- LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN | ONLINE COMMUNICATION: Designed with a slim, portable profile, this laptop is easy to carry for school, commuting, and travel. A built-in 1MP front camera supports online classes, video meetings, remote communication, and everyday conferencing. The 3300mAh battery works with the low-power system design to support practical daily use, while thermal optimization helps maintain quieter operation during extended tasks.
Rank #4
- EFFORTLESS EVERYDAY PERFORMANCE: Powered by Intel Celeron N4020 processor and Windows 11 Home system, delivering reliable, low-power efficiency for daily tasks like document editing, email, online classes, and web browsing
- 15.6-INCH FULL HD DISPLAY: Enjoy immersive visuals on the 15.6" FHD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with micro-edge bezels. Delivers clear details and comfortable viewing for long study sessions, working on spreadsheets, and video playback
- RESPONSIVE MULTITASKING & STORAGE: Built with 4GB LPDDR4 RAM and 128GB eMMC storage for smooth daily essential use. Expand your storage by up to 1TB via the integrated TF card slot to easily store movies, photos, and working files
- ADVANCED CONNECTIVITY: Outfitted with 2x Full-Featured Type-C ports for data transfer, fast charging, and dual-monitor output, alongside 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 ports and a 3.5mm audio jack for complete peripheral compatibility
- LIGHTWEIGHT & SILENT OPERATION: Slim and portable for effortless travel or commuting. Features a 1MP HD webcam for remote meetings, 38Wh battery with 45W Type-C fast charging, and a fanless silent design for peaceful work environments.
Rank #3
- 256 GB SSD of storage.
- Multitasking is easy with 16GB of RAM
- Equipped with a blazing fast Core i5 2.00 GHz processor.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →
