Hello Windows Insiders. Today marks the release of Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3863 (KB5055613) to the Beta Channel, tailored for those utilizing Windows 11, version 24H2. This update brings a range of new features, improvements, and fixes, all carefully documented for your convenience. Insiders who have opted in for the latest updates can access these enhancements through the Settings menu under Windows Update.
New Copilot+ PC Experiences
Enhanced Windows Search Functionality
In a bid to streamline your experience on Copilot+ PCs, we are excited to introduce a new feature that allows you to search for settings using natural language in the Windows search box. No longer will you need to recall the precise name of a setting; simply type phrases like “change my theme” or “about my PC” to find what you need. This capability is powered by the impressive 40+ TOPS NPU onboard Copilot+ PCs, ensuring functionality even without an internet connection. For further insights on this semantic search enhancement, click here.
FEEDBACK for Windows Taskbar Search: We encourage you to share your thoughts via the Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Desktop Environment > Search.
Improving Accessibility with Narrator
We are committed to enhancing digital accessibility, and our latest feature aims to provide rich, detailed descriptions of images, charts, and graphs through Narrator on Copilot+ PCs. This advancement leverages AI to ensure that visuals are accessible to blind and low-vision users. By pressing the Narrator key + Ctrl + D, users can receive contextual descriptions of images, including details about people, objects, colors, text, and numbers.
This feature is currently available on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, with support for AMD and Intel-powered devices on the horizon. To activate Narrator, simply press “Ctrl + Windows key + Enter” or search for “Narrator” in the Windows search box. The first time you use the image descriptions feature, the necessary models will be downloaded, and you can monitor the download status via Settings > Windows Update.
For those new to Narrator, a comprehensive guide is available, along with a FAQ section regarding rich image descriptions.
FEEDBACK: Please share your experiences in the Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Accessibility > Narrator.
Gradual Rollout of Changes and Improvements
[Widgets]
- We are experimenting with the ability to read full articles, slideshows, and videos directly within your MSN feed on the widgets board in Windows 11. Your feedback is invaluable, so please utilize the feedback button at the top of your widgets board. You can manage the visibility of your MSN feed in the widget settings.
For Windows Insiders in the European Economic Area (EEA): We have introduced updates to the new lock screen widgets experience, enhancing accessibility and craftsmanship. The weather widget now supports customization options, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences through Settings > Personalization > Lock screen.
Fixes Being Rolled Out to the Beta Channel
[Recall (Preview)]
- We have resolved an issue that caused Settings to crash when adding an app to filter under Privacy & Security > Recall & Snapshots.
[File Explorer]
- Fixed a crash issue affecting File Explorer Home for some Insiders after recent updates.
- Addressed visibility issues with the Organize and New Folder options in the Save Dialog while using dark mode.
[Taskbar]
- Corrected an issue where app icons in the taskbar appeared oversized after disconnecting from an external display.
[Desktop Icons]
- Updated the logic for pinned apps on the desktop, ensuring that packaged apps no longer display an accent-colored backplate, resulting in larger, more visible icons. Note that new shortcuts may need to be created for this change to take effect.
[Input]
- Touchpad functionality issues experienced in the previous flight have been resolved.
[Graphics]
- Fixed an issue where pixels might appear inverted when using CopyPixels.
- Resolved display issues with certain JPG images that were not rendering correctly in earlier builds.
General Fixes for the Beta Channel
[General]
- Addressed the issue that prevented Windows Sandbox from functioning in the last flight.
Known Issues
[General]
- [REMINDER] Upon joining the Beta Channels on Windows 11, version 24H2, you will initially receive Build 26120.3360. After this installation, the most recent update will be available to you. This two-step process is temporary.
- Post-PC reset under Settings > System > Recovery, your build version may inaccurately display as Build 26100 instead of Build 26120, but this will not hinder future updates.
- Quick Assist is currently non-functional for non-administrator users.
- [NEW] Following this update, the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) may not operate, affecting the “Fix problems using Windows Update” option. These issues will be addressed in an upcoming update.
- [NEW] Some apps may appear blank after this update; closing and reopening the app may resolve this.
- [NEW] Certain applications, such as Spotify, may fail to launch post-update. Uninstalling the update should restore functionality. We are actively working on a solution, and we encourage feedback before uninstalling.
[Recall (Preview)]
- [REMINDER] Users retain control and can opt to remove Recall at any time via “Turn Windows features on or off.” This action will delete entry points and binaries.
- [REMINDER] Ensure your Microsoft 365 apps are updated to the latest version for seamless document access.
[Click to Do (Preview)]
- [REMINDER] Intelligent text actions are now moderated locally, enhancing safety and are available in Click to Do within Recall.
- [REMINDER] If actions on image entities are missing, please ensure your Photos and Paint apps are updated from the Microsoft Store.
[Improved Windows Search]
- [REMINDER] For optimal performance with improved Windows Search on Copilot+ PCs, it is advisable to keep your device plugged in during the initial indexing process. Check your indexing status under Settings > Privacy & security > Searching Windows.
[Task Manager]
- [NEW] Search and filtering options in Task Manager are currently non-functional.
- After adding the new CPU Utility column, you may observe that System Idle Process consistently shows as 0.
- The CPU graphs on the Performance page are still utilizing 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 via an enablement package (Build 26120.xxxx).
- Updates delivered to the Beta Channel offer a preview of enhancements to servicing technology on Windows 11, version 24H2. More information can be found at this link.
- Many features in the Beta Channel are rolled out using Controlled Feature Rollout technology, starting with a subset of Insiders and gradually expanding based on feedback.
- For those eager to receive features as they become available, you can enable the toggle in Settings > Windows Update. If you prefer to keep the toggle off, new features will be rolled out over time as they are ready.
- Features and experiences included in these builds may evolve, be removed, or replaced as we gather feedback. Some may eventually appear in future Windows releases when fully developed.
- Localization for some features may not be complete at this stage; we appreciate your reports on any localization issues via Feedback Hub.
- Some accessibility features may not function correctly with features like Recall and Click to Do during this preview phase.
- As the Dev and Beta Channels represent parallel development paths, features may debut in the Beta Channel first.
- For a comprehensive overview of build statuses across Insider channels, please visit Flight Hub.
Thank you for your continued engagement and feedback.
