Hello Windows Insiders, today marks the release of Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.5160 (KB5053654) for the Beta Channel, specifically for those utilizing Windows 11, version 23H2. It’s worth noting that Windows 11, version 24H2 is also available as an optional upgrade for Insiders within the Beta Channel.
Changes in the Beta Channel builds and updates are categorized into two distinct groups: new features, improvements, and fixes that are being gradually rolled out for Insiders who have enabled the toggle to receive the latest updates (accessible via Settings > Windows Update), and those that are rolling out to all users in the Beta Channel. For further details, please refer to the Reminders section at the end of this post.
New features gradually being rolled out to the Beta Channel with toggle on*
Introducing speech recap in Narrator
Our commitment to enhancing Narrator continues with the introduction of a new feature—speech recap. This innovative addition is crafted to assist users in tracking what Narrator has conveyed, allowing for quick reference. With speech recap, users can effortlessly access spoken content, follow live transcriptions, and copy the last spoken phrase—all through simple keyboard shortcuts. This feature also maintains a history of spoken content, eliminating the need to repeat tasks just to recall what was said.
To open the speech recap window, simply use Narrator key + Alt + X, where you can find the last 500 strings spoken by Narrator. The text in this window refreshes every time Narrator starts, and standard reading commands along with arrow keys can be utilized to navigate through the contents. Need to save or share something Narrator just articulated? You can copy it instantly without needing to access the speech recap window by using Narrator key + Control + X.
Some practical scenarios for utilizing speech recap include referencing hints heard when opening a new window, copying spoken error codes, or incorporating Narrator speech into training materials.
The live transcription feature of Narrator speech is particularly beneficial for Assistive Technology (AT) trainers, teachers of visually impaired students (TVIs), and professionals who are hard of hearing. To view live transcriptions of Narrator audio, use the same command Narrator key + Alt + X to open the speech recap window and position it on your screen as desired. As you engage with tasks using Narrator, you can observe the text in this window updating in real-time.
The keyboard shortcuts follow a straightforward pattern, making them easy to learn:
- Control + Windows key + Enter = Turn Narrator on/Off
- Narrator key + X = Re-hear what Narrator said last
- Narrator key + Control + X = Copy what Narrator said last
- Narrator key + Alt + X = Open Speech recap window for history and live transcriptions
FEEDBACK: Please submit your feedback in the Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Accessibility > Narrator.
Changes and Improvements gradually being rolled out to the Beta Channel with toggle on*
[Copilot on Windows]
- Launching Copilot on Windows is now as simple as pressing Win + C. Users can personalize their Copilot key and Win + C experience anytime through the “Customize Copilot key on keyboard” option under Settings > Personalization > Text input.
- To initiate a conversation with Copilot on Windows, press and hold the Copilot key for 2 seconds. For devices lacking the Copilot key, hold Win + C for the same duration. To conclude the conversation, press the Esc key. If there’s a pause in conversation for several seconds, Copilot will automatically end the session, and the microphone icon will disappear. Additionally, users can press and hold Alt + Spacebar to engage with Copilot on Windows. This press to talk feature allows for voice interaction with Copilot, providing immediate responses while maintaining workflow continuity. This feature is supported in the latest Copilot app update (version 1.25033.139.0 and higher), which is currently being rolled out across Insider Channels via the Microsoft Store.
- Developers can implement the same trigger for press to talk in their applications that support the Copilot key by utilizing Handle Microsoft Copilot hardware key state changes. However, it’s important to note that the enterprise-focused Microsoft 365 Copilot app does not currently support this feature.
- Win + C and press to talk functionalities are being gradually rolled out, so not all Insiders will receive the update simultaneously. We are eager to preview these enhancements with our Insiders to ensure an exceptional Copilot experience for Windows users.
[Windows Share]
- The Windows share window is being enhanced to include quick editing and enhancement options for images during sharing. This includes in-line editing capabilities such as cropping, rotating, and applying filters, alongside the ability to compress images for easier sharing. This functionality is applicable only to local images stored on your PC, with supported formats including .jpg, .jpeg, .dib, .png, .tif, .tiff, and .bmp.
[Settings]
- A dedicated FAQs section has been introduced on the Settings > System > About page, making it easier to find answers to common questions about your PC and Windows 11. This section provides quick and helpful insights regarding system configuration, performance, and compatibility, ensuring users can easily access the information they need.
<figure id="attachment177765″ aria-describedby=”caption-attachment-177765″ class=”wp-image wp-image–caption alignnone”><figcaption id="caption-attachment177765″ class=”wp-caption-text”>FAQ section highlighted in a red box on the About settings page.
Fixes gradually being rolled out to the Beta Channel with toggle on*
[Start menu]
- A delay in app icons appearing in grid and category views after installing an app has been resolved.
[Desktop icons]
- The logic for apps pinned to the desktop has been updated, ensuring that packaged apps no longer display an accent-colored backplate. This adjustment enhances the visibility of icons, which should now appear larger and more distinct. Please note that you may need to create new shortcuts for this change to take effect if you already have items on your desktop.
Known issues
[Start menu]
Currently, there are known issues for Windows Insiders regarding the new grid and category views on the All page in the Start menu:
- When right-clicking on an app, the “Start settings” context menu may briefly flash before the app’s context menu appears.
[Widgets]
[Narrator]
- [NEW] If you encounter a crash upon launching Narrator, please restart your PC to restore functionality. If the issue persists, consider using a secondary screen reader to assist in filing feedback in the Feedback Hub, or seek assistance from someone to help you submit feedback.
Reminders for Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel
- Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel on Windows 11, version 23H2 will receive updates based on Windows 11, version 23H2 through an enablement package (Build 22635.xxxx).
- Many features in the Beta Channel are rolled out using Controlled Feature Rollout technology, beginning with a subset of Insiders and gradually expanding as feedback is monitored.
- For those in the Beta Channel wishing 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 increase 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 once they are ready.
- Features and experiences included in these builds may not be released beyond Windows Insiders as we explore different concepts and gather feedback. Features may evolve, be removed, or replaced over time.
- Some features in active development may not be fully localized, with localization occurring as features are finalized. Please report any localization issues you encounter via the Feedback Hub.
- As the Dev and Beta Channels represent parallel development paths, there may be instances where features and experiences appear in the Beta Channel first.
- For a comprehensive overview of which build is in which Insider channel, please visit Flight Hub.
Thanks,
Amanda & Brandon
