Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3291 (Dev and Beta Channels)

February 22, 2025

Hello Windows Insiders, today marks the release of Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3291 (KB5052080) for both the Dev and Beta Channels. This update brings notable enhancements for users on Copilot+ PCs.

  • The first improvement allows Windows Insiders using Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs to utilize an enhanced Windows Search feature. This enables users to locate files saved in the cloud directly from the Windows search box on the taskbar.
  • Secondly, the update refines the Recall (Preview) experience. However, it’s important to note that all previous snapshots have been deleted. Post-installation, Recall will continue to save new snapshots, provided the option is enabled in Settings.

For those in the Beta Channel, the same Dev Channel updates based on Windows 11, version 24H2 are available. Initially, these updates will be optional, allowing users to upgrade at their convenience. Plans are in place to transition these updates to recommended status later this year, which will facilitate automatic upgrades to 24H2-based updates in the Beta Channel.

Insiders currently in the Dev Channel have the opportunity to switch to the Beta Channel while the same 24H2-based updates (identical build numbers) are being released across both channels. However, once the Dev Channel progresses to higher build numbers, this switching window will close.

IMPORTANT: The window for switching channels is closing soon. We encourage you to assess your preferred channel during this period.

New Copilot+ PC experiences

Find photos saved in the cloud via the Windows search box with improved Windows Search

We are thrilled to announce the extension of support for locating cloud-stored photos through the improved Windows Search feature in the taskbar search box. Users can now describe their photos—such as “European castles” or “summer picnics”—to find relevant images stored in the cloud alongside those saved locally on their Copilot+ PCs. Additionally, exact matches for keywords within the text of cloud files will also appear in the search results.

Results including dog on beach photos from the cloud in the Windows search box on the taskbar with improved Windows Search.

This feature is available for users signed into OneDrive with a personal Microsoft account. Those using a work or school account (Entra ID) will only see keyword matches within the text of their cloud files. Support for third-party cloud providers is also on the horizon, with further documentation to follow.

As we continue to enhance the search experience, the rollout of improved Windows Search features will gradually reach Windows Insiders on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs. Some features may not be immediately available in all regions, but expanded access is expected over time. Support for AMD and Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs will be introduced soon. For optimal performance during the initial search indexing, we recommend keeping your Copilot+ PC plugged in. You can monitor your search indexing status under Settings > Privacy & security > Searching Windows.

For more insights on semantic search on Copilot+ PCs, click here.

FEEDBACK: Please share your thoughts in the Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Desktop Environment > Search.

Changes and Improvements gradually being rolled out to the Dev Channel with toggle on*

[Recall (Preview)]

Recall is currently available in preview for Windows Insiders on Windows 11, version 24H2 in both the Dev and Beta Channels on Copilot+ PCs.

  • [IMPORTANT] As previously mentioned, this update enhances the Recall experience, resulting in the deletion of previous snapshots. After installing this build, Recall will save new snapshots moving forward, contingent upon the snapshot-saving option being activated in Settings.

[Other]

Fixes gradually being rolled out to the Dev Channel with toggle on*

[Live captions & real-time translation]

The following fixes are being implemented for live captions and real-time translation on Copilot+ PCs:

  • Resolved an issue causing crashes upon the first launch of live captions.
  • Fixed a problem where switching languages while audio was playing or the microphone was enabled would lead to a crash in live captions.

[File Explorer]

  • Addressed several reliability issues affecting File Explorer for Insiders.
  • Fixed an issue where launching File Explorer from the command line resulted in an empty address bar.
  • Resolved a problem preventing users from selecting multiple files in the Recommended section of Home using the Shift key.

[Power & Battery]

[Graphics]

  • Fixed an issue that could cause color profiles to fail to load correctly after waking the PC from sleep.

[Remote Desktop]

  • Resolved an issue where Remote Desktop was limited to TCP, neglecting UDP.

Known issues

[General]

  • After performing a PC reset under Settings > System > Recovery, the build version may inaccurately display as Build 26100 instead of Build 26120. This will not hinder future Dev Channel updates, which will rectify this issue.

[Recall]

  • [REMINDER] Ensure your Microsoft 365 apps are updated to the latest version to seamlessly return to specific documents.

The following known issues will be addressed in future updates for Windows Insiders:

  • Some Insiders may encounter an issue where Recall fails to automatically save snapshots, and the setting cannot be enabled in Settings. A fix is in progress.
  • Recall can be toggled on or off via “Turn Windows features on or off.” We are currently caching the Recall binaries on disk during testing. A future update will completely remove these binaries.
  • Some users may receive a message prompting them to “Make sure Recall is saving snapshots,” even when the Settings page indicates that saving snapshots is enabled. A reboot will resolve this issue.

[Click to Do]

  • [REMINDER] If actions on image entities are no longer appearing, please ensure that you have the latest updates for the Photos and Paint app from the Microsoft Store.
  • [REMINDER] The intelligent text actions utilize Microsoft’s secure cloud to enhance text results, ensuring that prompts and responses are safe and appropriate. This data is automatically deleted. Local moderation for prompt safety will be introduced in the future, replacing the current cloud endpoint.

The following known issues will be resolved in future updates for Windows Insiders:

  • Occasionally, additional context may be provided when utilizing more intelligent text actions powered by Phi Silica.

[Improved Windows Search]

  • [REMINDER] For improved Windows Search on Copilot+ PCs, it is advisable to keep your device plugged in during the initial search indexing. You can verify your search indexing status under Settings > Privacy & security > Searching Windows.

[File Explorer]

  • A fix is underway for an issue causing File Explorer to close slowly for some Insiders when using the X button, which may also affect other title bar buttons.

Snipping Tool (version 11.2501.7.0)

An update for the Snipping Tool is being rolled out to Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels, introducing a new trim feature. This functionality allows users to adjust the start and end times of their screen recordings, enabling the removal of any unnecessary video segments.

New trim capability for screen recordings in Snipping Tool.

To utilize this feature, record a new screen capture with the Snipping Tool, open the recording in the app, and select the new Trim button at the top of the window. Users can then adjust the timepoints for the start and end of the recording, applying or canceling changes as needed. The trim feature can be revisited to modify or undo any adjustments.

FEEDBACK: Please share your thoughts in the Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Apps > Snipping Tool.

Reminders for Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel

  • Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel receive updates based on Windows 11, version 24H2 through an enablement package (Build 26120.xxxx). If you are in the Beta Channel, these updates are currently offered as an optional upgrade, allowing you to upgrade at your convenience. Plans are in place to make these updates recommended in the Beta Channel later this year, facilitating automatic upgrades to 24H2-based updates.
  • Updates delivered to the Dev Channel showcase a preview of enhancements to servicing technology on Windows 11, version 24H2. For more information, visit https://aka.ms/CheckpointCumulativeUpdates.
  • Many features in the Dev Channel are rolled out using Control Feature Rollout technology, beginning with a subset of Insiders and gradually increasing as we monitor feedback.
  • For those in the Dev Channel eager to be among the first to receive features gradually rolled out to you, you can enable the toggle to receive the latest updates via Settings > Windows Update*. Over time, we will expand the rollout of features to all users with the toggle activated. If you choose to keep this toggle off, new features will be rolled out to your PC over time as they become ready.
  • Features and experiences included in these builds may not be released, as we explore different concepts and gather feedback. Features may evolve, be removed, or replaced without being released beyond Windows Insiders. Some features may appear in future Windows releases when they are ready.
  • Some actively developed features previewed with Windows Insiders may not be fully localized, with localization occurring over time as features are finalized. Please report any localization issues via the Feedback Hub.
  • Be aware that some accessibility features may not function properly with features like Recall and Click to Do while in preview with Windows Insiders.
  • As the Dev and Beta Channels represent parallel development paths, there may be instances where features and experiences debut in the Beta Channel first.
  • For a comprehensive overview of build statuses across Insider channels, check out Flight Hub.

Thanks,
Amanda & Brandon

Winsage
Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3291 (Dev and Beta Channels)