Google brings a Spotlight-like search box, AI search and screen sharing to Windows with a new desktop app

What’s new

Google has quietly rolled out the "Google app for desktop" to Windows users globally in English, after tests that began in September. Hit Alt + Space and a Spotlight-style search box appears — web results, Google Drive, local files and installed apps all in one place. Web searches can enter an AI Mode with Lens integration, translation of text and images, homework help and more; results appear in a floating window where you can ask follow-up questions, very much like the mobile Search experience.

How it works

There’s a neat trick built in: you can share your whole screen or a specific window and ask contextual questions about what’s on display. Want to point at a spreadsheet or a slide and ask “what’s going on here?” — now you can. The app runs on Windows 10 and up and is available to download at search.google/google-app/desktop. It has been reported that the Gemini team is working on a macOS version, but Google hasn’t confirmed a timeline.

Why it matters

This is notable because Google usually leans on the browser and Progressive Web Apps rather than shipping consumer desktop software. Making search feel native on the desktop — and pairing it with AI and screen-sharing context — is a small change with potentially big productivity payoffs. It joins a short list of Google desktop offerings like Drive for desktop, Quick Share and Play Games. For users who've long envied macOS Spotlight, this lands like a long-awaited handshake.

Sources: 9to5google.com