Hello Windows Insiders, today we are releasing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3585 (KB5053644) to the Beta Channel for Windows Insiders on Windows 11, version 24H2. Changes in Beta Channel builds and updates are documented in two categories: new features, improvements, and fixes that are gradually rolled out for Insiders who have opted in to receive the latest updates (via Settings > Windows Update*) and those rolling out to all users in the Beta Channel. For more information, see the Reminders section at the bottom of this blog post.
Improved Windows Search for AMD and Intel®-powered Copilot+ PCs
Local Semantic Search
Finding documents, photos, and settings across Windows 11 has become more intuitive for users of AMD and Intel®-powered Copilot+ PCs with the introduction of semantic indexing alongside traditional indexing. Users can now simply express their thoughts in natural language to locate files. For instance, searching for images can be as easy as typing “bridge at sunset,” or documents can be found by describing their content, such as “Europe trip budget.” This innovative approach eliminates the need to recall specific file names or exact wording. The robust capabilities of the 40+ TOPS NPU onboard Copilot+ PCs ensure that these search enhancements function seamlessly, even without an internet connection.
Users can navigate to Settings > Privacy & security > Searching Windows to customize indexed locations or enable “Enhanced” indexing for their entire PC. Currently, searching for settings like “change my theme” is functional within the Settings app, with plans to expand this capability to the Windows search box in future updates. This feature supports several languages, including Chinese, English, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish, as well as various document formats such as .txt, .pdf, and .docx, among others. More details can be found here.
Find Photos Saved in the Cloud with Improved Windows Search
In addition to local files, users can now find cloud-stored photos using the enhanced Windows Search on their Copilot+ PCs. By simply describing the content, such as “European castles” or “summer picnics,” users can retrieve relevant images from both local storage and the cloud in their search results. This integration allows for a more holistic search experience, as exact matches for keywords within cloud documents will also appear.
This feature is currently available for personal OneDrive accounts when signed in with a Microsoft account. For users signed into OneDrive with a work or school account (Entra ID), only keyword matches within cloud files will be displayed, excluding photos. Third-party cloud services will also be supported in the future, with documentation forthcoming. These enhancements to Windows Search are being rolled out gradually, so users may not experience them immediately.
IMPORTANT NOTE: A reboot may be necessary to activate these improved Windows Search features.
FEEDBACK for File Explorer Search: Please submit feedback in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Files Folders and Online Storage > File Explorer Search.
FEEDBACK for Windows Taskbar Search: Please submit feedback in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Desktop Environment > Search.
FEEDBACK for Settings Search: Please submit feedback in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Settings > Search Settings.
Fixes Gradually Being Rolled Out to the Beta Channel with Toggle On*
[File Explorer]
- Enhanced the performance of extracting zipped files in File Explorer, particularly when unzipping a large number of small files.
[Login and Lock]
- Adjusted the web sign-in icon for better alignment with other icons on the login screen.
[File Explorer]
- Resolved an issue causing File Explorer to close slowly for some users when using the X button, which may have also affected other title bar buttons.
[Settings]
- Fixed an alignment issue in the navigation pane entries from the previous flight.
Fixes for Everyone in the Beta Channel
[General]
- Addressed a 0x80070005 error that occurred when attempting to reinstall this build using the “Fix problems using Windows Update” option under Settings > System > Recovery.
- Corrected an issue where the toggle for receiving the latest updates via Settings > Windows Update did not render correctly and was automatically turned off.
Known Issues
[General]
- [REMINDER] When joining the Beta Channel on Windows 11, version 24H2, users will first be offered Build 26120.3360. After installing that update, the most recent update will be available. This two-step process to access the latest flight in the Beta Channel is temporary.
- After performing a PC reset under Settings > System > Recovery, the build version may incorrectly display as Build 26100 instead of Build 26120. This will not hinder future Beta Channel updates, which will rectify this issue.
[Recall]
- [REMINDER] Ensure that Microsoft 365 apps are updated to the latest version to facilitate seamless access to specific documents.
The following known issues will be addressed in future updates for Windows Insiders:
- Some users may encounter difficulties with Recall, where automatic snapshot saving fails, and the setting cannot be activated in Settings. A fix is underway.
- Recall can be toggled on or off from “Turn Windows features on or off.” We are currently caching Recall binaries on disk while testing add/remove functionality. A complete removal of the binaries will occur in a future update.
[Click to Do]
- [REMINDER] Intelligent text actions are now moderated locally to ensure safety and have replaced the previous cloud endpoint. These actions are now available in Click to Do within Recall.
- [REMINDER] If actions on image entities are not appearing, please verify that the latest updates for the Photos and Paint app are installed from the Microsoft Store.
The following known issues will be resolved in future updates for Windows Insiders:
- Occasionally, additional context may be provided when utilizing intelligent text actions powered by Phi Silica.
[Improved Windows Search]
- [REMINDER] For optimal performance of improved Windows Search on Copilot+ PCs, it is advisable to keep the device plugged in during the initial search indexing. Users can check their search indexing status under Settings > Privacy & security > Searching Windows.
[Settings]
- [NEW] A fix is in progress for an issue causing Settings to crash for some users when navigating to System > Power & Battery.
- [NEW] Text in the Advanced Camera Options within Bluetooth & devices > Cameras may not load correctly in this build.
[File Explorer]
- A fix is being developed for an issue causing File Explorer Home to crash for some users. Accessing File Explorer through alternative methods (e.g., search or the Run dialog) should still allow navigation through folders.
- Work is underway to resolve an issue causing File Explorer to crash when moving or renaming certain files.
[Taskbar]
- A fix is being pursued for an issue where taskbar icons do not resize appropriately when using the PC in tablet mode.
[Task Manager]
- After the addition of the new CPU Utility column, users may notice that the System Idle Process consistently displays as 0.
- The CPU graphs on the Performance page continue to utilize the previous CPU utility calculations.
Reminders for Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel
- Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel on Windows 11, version 24H2 will receive updates based on Windows 11, version 24H2 via an enablement package (Build 26120.xxxx).
- Updates delivered to the Beta Channel are formatted to preview enhancements to servicing technology on Windows 11, version 24H2. For further details, visit this link.
- Many features in the Beta Channel are rolled out using Control Feature Rollout technology, starting with a subset of Insiders and gradually expanding as feedback is monitored.
- For those in the Beta Channel eager to receive features gradually rolled out to you, you can enable the toggle to receive the latest updates via Settings > Windows Update*. Over time, the rollout of features will increase for those with the toggle on. If the toggle is off, new features will be released to your PC over time as they become ready.
- Features and experiences included in these builds may not be released publicly as we explore different concepts and gather feedback. Features may evolve, be removed, or replaced, and some may appear in future Windows releases when they’re ready.
- Some features in active development may not be fully localized, with localization occurring over time as features are finalized. Please report any localization issues via Feedback Hub.
- Be aware that certain accessibility features may not function 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 which build is in which Insider channel, refer to Flight Hub.
Thanks,
Amanda & Brandon
