Hello Windows Insiders, today marks the release of Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4741 (KB5062678) to the Beta Channel for users on Windows 11, version 24H2. This update brings a variety of changes and improvements, categorized into two main buckets: new features, enhancements, and fixes that are gradually rolled out for those who have opted to receive the latest updates via Settings > Windows Update, as well as updates that will be available to all users in the Beta Channel. For further details, please refer to the Reminders section at the end of this post.
New Copilot+ PC experiences
Introducing the “Describe Image” Action in Click to Do
A new feature is making its debut with the “describe image” action in Click to Do, designed specifically for AMD and Intel®-powered Copilot+ PCs. This functionality, which was previously available for Snapdragon-powered devices, allows users to obtain detailed descriptions of images, charts, and graphs. It aims to enhance accessibility, enabling users to quickly grasp the essence of visual content. When activated for the first time, the necessary models are set up locally on your device, ensuring that sensitive data remains secure.
For more information on utilizing Click to Do, visit our dedicated page, and check out the frequently asked questions regarding rich image descriptions.
FEEDBACK: Please submit your thoughts in the Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Desktop Environment > Click to Do.
Enhancing Accessibility with Narrator’s Image Descriptions
We are committed to improving digital accessibility by introducing rich, detailed descriptions of images, charts, and graphs through Narrator on Copilot+ PCs. This feature, which is now rolling out to AMD and Intel-powered devices, builds on our previous efforts for Snapdragon-powered PCs. In a world where visuals dominate, many remain inaccessible to blind and low-vision users due to insufficient alt text.
With this new capability, users can simply press the Narrator key + Ctrl + D to receive contextual descriptions of images, detailing elements such as people, objects, colors, text, and numbers. On non-Copilot+ PCs, users will continue to receive basic image descriptions.
To activate Narrator, press “Ctrl + Windows key + Enter” or search for “Narrator” in the Windows search box. The first time you utilize the image descriptions feature, the necessary models will be downloaded, and you can monitor the download status via Settings > Windows Update.
If you are new to Narrator, explore our complete guide for more insights on its functionalities.
FEEDBACK: Please submit your thoughts in the Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Accessibility > Narrator.
Changes and Improvements Gradually Rolled Out to the Beta Channel
[General]
- In our ongoing effort to enhance Windows performance, we are now collecting logs when your PC experiences slow or sluggish performance. Windows Insiders are encouraged to provide feedback on any such issues, allowing the Feedback Hub to automatically gather these logs to expedite issue resolution. When submitting feedback, please use the Desktop > System Sluggishness category to facilitate log collection. These logs are stored locally and are only sent to Microsoft upon feedback submission.
[Click to Do (Preview)]
The following changes and improvements are rolling out for Click to Do on Copilot+ PCs:
- We are testing a modification that removes the search box from the top bar of Click to Do.
[Lock Screen]
- The lock screen widgets experience is being updated for Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel, featuring widget suggestions to help users discover more options. This feature can be toggled on or off under Settings > Personalization > Lock screen. Please note that this experience is still under refinement and may evolve in future updates.
[Settings]
- Users can now navigate to Settings > Privacy & security > Text and image generation to view which third-party applications have recently utilized generative AI models provided by Windows. This page offers visibility into the specific apps leveraging these models and allows users to control which applications are permitted to use them, thereby enhancing user control over their AI experience. While the UI is available in this flight, the functionality will be activated in a future update.
<figure id="attachment178075″ aria-describedby=”caption-attachment-178075″ class=”wp-image wp-image–caption alignnone”><figcaption id="caption-attachment178075″ class=”wp-caption-text”>Text and image generation settings page with recent activity highlighted in a red box for seeing which apps use generative AI models provided by Windows.
Fixes Gradually Rolled Out to the Beta Channel
[Notification Center]
[Other]
- We have resolved an underlying issue with dbgcore.dll that could lead to crashes in explorer.exe and other applications.
Known Issues
[General]
- Some Windows Insiders may encounter a rollback while attempting to install this update, receiving a 0x80070005 error in Windows Update. We are actively working on a solution for those affected. If you are experiencing this, using Settings > System > Recovery > “Fix issues using Windows update” may resolve the problem.
- Users may see multiple error pop-ups regarding unexpected elements when opening Group Policy Editor.
[Start Menu]
The following known issues are present for Windows Insiders with the new Start menu:
- Touch navigation in the new Start menu may not function reliably, particularly with the swipe-up gesture.
- Drag and drop capabilities are limited from “All” to “Pinned.”
[Live Captions]
- [NEW] Live captions may crash when attempting to utilize live translation on a Copilot+ PC.
[Xbox Controllers]
- Some Insiders are experiencing issues where using their Xbox Controller via Bluetooth causes their PC to bugcheck. To resolve this, open Device Manager by searching for it in the taskbar. Once open, click on “View” and then “Devices by Driver.” Locate the driver named “oemXXX.inf (XboxGameControllerDriver.inf)” and right-click to uninstall it.
[Click to Do (Preview)]
The following known issues will be addressed in future updates for Windows Insiders:
- Windows Insiders on AMD or Intel®-powered Copilot+ PCs may experience extended wait times on their first attempt to perform intelligent text actions in Click to Do after a new build or model update.
[Input]
- The Microsoft Changjie Input method is not functioning properly in this build, preventing word selection. Reverting to the previous version of the IME in Settings should mitigate the issue while we work on a fix.
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 structured to provide a preview of enhancements to servicing technology on Windows 11, version 24H2. For more information, visit 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 as we monitor feedback.
- For those eager to receive features gradually rolled out to you, you can enable the toggle for 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 as they become ready.
- Features and experiences included in these builds may not be released, as we continuously explore different concepts and gather feedback. Features may evolve, be removed, or replaced, and may not extend beyond Windows Insiders. Some features could appear in future Windows releases when they’re ready.
- Some features currently in development may not be fully localized, with localization occurring as features are finalized. If you encounter localization issues in your language, please report them via the Feedback Hub.
- Be aware that some 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, check out Flight Hub.
Thank you,
Amanda & Brandon
