Hello Windows Insiders, today marks the release of Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.5790 (KB5065779) to the Beta Channel for those utilizing Windows 11, version 24H2. This update encapsulates a variety of changes, improvements, and fixes that are being gradually introduced to Insiders who have opted in to receive the latest updates through the Settings menu under Windows Update.
New Copilot+ PC experiences
Introducing fluid dictation in voice access
The latest enhancement in voice access for Copilot+ PCs is the introduction of fluid dictation. This innovative feature streamlines voice-based dictation by automatically correcting grammar, punctuation, and filler words as you speak, thereby minimizing the need for manual editing. This functionality is powered by on-device small language models (SLMs), ensuring swift and private processing. To activate this feature, simply launch voice access and complete the initial setup if you are a first-time user. Fluid dictation is enabled by default, but can be toggled on or off via the settings flyout located in the top-right corner, or by simply voicing the command “turn on/off fluid dictation.”
This feature is compatible with any text application, although it is disabled in secure fields such as passwords or PINs to safeguard your privacy. Currently, fluid dictation is available in all English locales across all Copilot+ PCs.
FEEDBACK: Please file feedback in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Accessibility > Voice access.
Making Windows Studio Effects available on additional cameras
In our ongoing efforts to enhance user experience, we are expanding the Windows Studio Effects capabilities from integrated laptop cameras to a wider array of camera hardware. This update allows users on supported Copilot+ PCs to utilize AI-powered camera enhancements with additional cameras, such as USB webcams or the built-in rear camera of laptops.
To begin, navigate to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Cameras and select your preferred camera from the list of connected devices. Then, access the advanced camera options menu to find the new “Use Windows Studio Effects” toggle. Once activated, you can adjust Studio Effects directly from the camera settings page or through the quick settings menu in the taskbar.
NOTE: The required update for the Windows Studio Effects driver will initially roll out to Intel®-powered Copilot+ PCs, with updates for AMD and Snapdragon-powered devices following in the coming weeks.
FEEDBACK: Please file feedback in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Desktop Environment > Studio Effects.
Changes and Improvements gradually being rolled out to the Beta Channel with toggle on*
[Agent in Settings]
The following updates are being introduced for the agent in Settings on Copilot+ PCs:
- The new agent in Settings experience is now rolling out to Windows Insiders whose primary display language is set to French.
[File Explorer]
- File Explorer Home now features on-hover actions for expedited file management. Hovering over a file will reveal commands such as Open file location and Ask Copilot about this file. This integration currently requires a Microsoft account for access, with support for work or school accounts (Entra ID) anticipated in future updates. Note that this change is not yet available to Windows Insiders in the EEA (European Economic Area).
[Settings]
- Advanced Settings will revert to the previous “For Developers” experience following the update to this build, with plans to restore the change soon.
Fixes gradually being rolled out to the Beta Channel with toggle on*
[General]
- We have resolved an underlying issue that caused some Insiders on specific devices to experience unexpected lag in various scenarios after the latest flights, including interactions with File Explorer and the taskbar, as well as browser windows, particularly during video playback. Performance issues can stem from multiple sources, so please report any persisting issues through feedback, including as many details as possible.
[Taskbar & System Tray]
- An issue causing app preview windows in the taskbar to misalign after a display resolution change has been fixed.
[File Explorer]
- We addressed an issue where certain installed apps caused the context menu to unexpectedly toggle between the normal view and “Show more options” with each right click.
[Settings]
- An issue causing Settings > System > Storage > Temporary files to become unresponsive during file scanning has been resolved.
[Other]
- We fixed an issue that resulted in an event stating “The ‘Microsoft Pluton Cryptographic Provider’ provider was not loaded because initialization failed” with error 57 appearing in Event Viewer for some Insiders after booting.
Known issues
[General]
- [NEW] We are currently investigating a bug that causes some PCs to experience a green screen during hibernation following the previous flight. This may create the impression that hibernation has shut down your PC. If you are encountering this issue, we advise against using hibernation until a fix is implemented.
[File Explorer]
- Some users may find the Shared section in File Explorer Home visible even when there is no content to display.
[For developers]
- [NEW] PIX on Windows is currently unable to playback GPU captures on this OS version. A new PIX release is expected by the end of September to address this. In the meantime, if you are affected, please use the “Send Feedback” button in PIX or reach out on the DirectX Discord server for assistance with private builds.
[Audio]
- Some Windows Insiders in the Dev and Beta Channels are facing audio issues, where Device Manager displays one or more devices with a yellow exclamation mark, including “ACPI Audio Compositor.” If you are experiencing this, follow these steps to restore functionality:
- Right-click on the device with the yellow exclamation mark in Device Manager and select “Update driver.”
- Choose “Browse my computer for drivers” and then “Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer.”
- Select the driver with the most recent date and click “Next.” If presented with a list of common hardware types instead of specific drivers, this device is not related to the issue.
- The device should be repaired and the yellow exclamation mark should disappear. If it persists, it may not be related to this issue.
- Repeat these steps for each device marked with a yellow exclamation.
[Xbox Controllers]
- Some Insiders are encountering a bug where using an Xbox Controller via Bluetooth leads to a system 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)” where “XXX” corresponds to a specific number on your PC. Right-click on this driver and select “Uninstall.”
Reminders for Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel
- Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel on Windows 11, version 24H2 will receive updates through 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. For further details, 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 feedback is monitored.
- For those in the Beta Channel eager to access 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 with the toggle activated. If you choose to keep this toggle off, new features will be introduced to your PC progressively as they become ready.
- Features and experiences included in these builds may never be released as we explore various 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 are fully developed.
- 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 you encounter 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.
- Since 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.
Thanks,
Amanda & Brandon
