MS is due to make the change next year when the first Service Pack one is released.

According to Microsoft's filing with the DOJ, the company "will create a mechanism for end users and OEMs to select a default program to handle desktop search." OEMs will be able to register their desktop search products for this default. Default doesn't necessarily mean what you think it means, however.

According to the document, "the default desktop search program will be launched whenever Windows launches a new top-level window to provide search results. This will include an existing location on the Start menu that a user can select to display additional search results in a new window" (emphasis added). Microsoft here is splitting the difference, somewhat, as the company will retain Vista's built-in search results in the upper right hand corner search box present on most explorer windows.

Artstechnia