Hello Windows Insiders. Today marks the release of Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5516 (KB5054687) to the Dev Channel. As a reminder, with the introduction of Build 26200.5510 on March 24th, the Dev Channel has advanced to the 26200 series builds. This transition means that the opportunity to switch from the Dev Channel to the Beta Channel has now closed. The 26200 series builds are based on Windows 11, version 24H2 and will share many features and enhancements with the ongoing 26120 series builds in the Beta Channel. As we progress, expect to see various platform changes that may introduce distinct known issues compared to those in the Beta Channel.
Improved Windows Search for AMD and Intel®-powered Copilot+ PCs
Local Semantic Search
Enhancements to Windows Search are designed to simplify the process of locating documents, photos, and settings on AMD and Intel®-powered Copilot+ PCs. The introduction of semantic indexing, alongside traditional indexing, allows users to search more intuitively. Whether navigating through File Explorer, the search box on the taskbar, or Settings, users can simply type what they have in mind to find their desired content. Forgetting file names or exact phrases is no longer a barrier; for instance, typing “bridge at sunset” will yield relevant images, while “Europe trip budget” will help locate pertinent documents. This feature also extends to settings, allowing searches like “change my theme.” Thanks to the robust capabilities of the 40+ TOPS NPU in Copilot+ PCs, these search improvements remain effective even without an internet connection.
<figure id="attachment177536″ aria-describedby=”caption-attachment-177536″ class=”wp-image wp-image–caption alignnone”><figcaption id="caption-attachment177536″ class=”wp-caption-text”>Use your own words to search for documents and images from your taskbar.
<figure id="attachment177537″ aria-describedby=”caption-attachment-177537″ class=”wp-image wp-image–caption alignnone”><figcaption id="caption-attachment177537″ class=”wp-caption-text”>Use your own words to change settings on your Copilot+ PC in Settings.
Users can manage indexed locations by navigating to Settings > Privacy & security > Searching Windows, where they can enable “Enhanced” indexing for their entire PC. Currently, the search for settings like “change my theme” is limited to the Settings app, with plans to expand this capability to the Windows search box in future updates. This feature supports select languages including Chinese, English, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish, and accommodates various document formats such as .txt, .pdf, .docx, and image formats like .jpg/.jpeg and .png.
Find Photos Saved in the Cloud with Improved Windows Search
In addition to local content, the improved Windows Search now facilitates the discovery of cloud-stored photos on Copilot+ PCs. Users can describe their photos using phrases like “European castles” or “summer picnics” to locate images saved in the cloud, alongside local files. This enhancement means that both local and cloud-stored photos will appear in unified search results, making it easier to find what you need.
Users can experience this feature today by signing into OneDrive with their Microsoft account. However, those using a work or school account (Entra ID) will only see keyword matches within the text of their cloud files, not photos. Third-party cloud providers are expected to support this feature soon, with additional documentation forthcoming.
These enhancements to Windows Search are gradually rolling out to Windows Insiders on Copilot+ PCs, so some users may not see these features immediately. Feedback is encouraged through the Feedback Hub for any issues related to File Explorer Search, Windows Taskbar Search, or Settings Search.
New Features Gradually Being Rolled Out to the Dev Channel with Toggle On*
Introducing Speech Recap in Narrator
In our ongoing efforts to enhance Narrator, we are excited to introduce a new feature called speech recap. This addition aims to assist users in tracking what Narrator has spoken, providing quick access for reference. With simple keyboard shortcuts, users can easily access spoken content, follow along with live transcription, and copy what Narrator last said.
To open the speech recap window, users can utilize Narrator key + Alt + X, which displays the last 500 strings spoken by Narrator. The text in this window refreshes each time Narrator starts, allowing users to navigate through the content using standard reading commands. For immediate needs, the last spoken phrase can be copied directly to the clipboard using Narrator key + Control + X.
This feature is particularly beneficial for scenarios such as recalling hints heard when opening new windows or copying error codes. Live transcription of Narrator speech is also available, making it a valuable tool for Assistive Technology trainers and educators supporting students with visual impairments.
The keyboard shortcuts for Narrator 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 regarding Narrator can be submitted through the Feedback Hub under Accessibility > Narrator.
Changes and Improvements Gradually Being Rolled Out to the Dev Channel with Toggle On*
[General]
- A new, streamlined UI for unexpected restarts is being previewed, aligning better with Windows 11 design principles. This update simplifies the user experience while retaining essential technical information. Insiders will notice this change as a “green screen” during unexpected restarts.
[Copilot on Windows]
- Launching Copilot on Windows is now possible with Win + C. Users can personalize their Copilot key experience through Settings.
- To initiate a conversation with Copilot, press and hold the Copilot key for two seconds. For PCs without the Copilot key, holding Win + C serves the same purpose. Conversations will automatically end after a period of inactivity, and users can also use Alt + Spacebar to interact with Copilot.
- Developers can integrate the same trigger for their applications that support the Copilot key. Note that the enterprise-focused Microsoft 365 Copilot app does not currently support this feature.
- The rollout of Win + C and the press-to-talk feature is ongoing, ensuring that all Insiders can enjoy an enhanced Copilot experience.
[Click to Do (Preview)]
Click to Do is currently available in preview for Windows Insiders on Windows 11, version 24H2 in the Dev and Beta Channels on Copilot+ PCs.
- Access to Click to Do is now available from the Start menu, with options to pin it to Start and the taskbar.
- Click to Do now supports intelligent text actions in Spanish and French, in addition to English. More languages will be introduced in future updates.
- A text action to create a bulleted list is currently available in English, Spanish, and French on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, with plans for AMD and Intel®-powered devices soon.
- Policies for managing Click to Do in commercial environments are also being provided.
[Windows Share]
- The Windows share window now includes a visual preview for shared links and web content.
- Image editing capabilities have been added to the Windows share window, allowing users to crop, rotate, and apply filters to local images before sharing. Supported formats include .jpg, .jpeg, .dib, .png, .tif, .tiff, and .bmp.
<figure id="attachment177756″ aria-describedby=”caption-attachment-177756″ class=”wp-image wp-image–caption alignnone”><figcaption id="caption-attachment177756″ class=”wp-caption-text”>New edit button in the Windows share window when sharing local images.
<figure id="attachment177757″ aria-describedby=”caption-attachment-177757″ class=”wp-image wp-image–caption alignnone”><figcaption id="caption-attachment177757″ class=”wp-caption-text”>The image editing experience from the Windows share window with a picture of the dog Kilo.
[Other]
- The bypassnro.cmd script has been removed to enhance the security and user experience of Windows 11, ensuring all users exit setup with internet connectivity and a Microsoft Account.
Fixes Gradually Being Rolled Out to the Dev Channel with Toggle On*
[Taskbar]
- Addressed an issue where taskbar icons did not resize appropriately when using the PC in tablet mode.
[File Explorer]
- Improvements have been made to enhance the performance of extracting zipped files, particularly when dealing with numerous small files.
- Fixed a slowdown issue when closing File Explorer using the X button, which also affected other title bar buttons.
- Resolved an issue where a hung search indexer could cause File Explorer to hang.
- Addressed a problem causing the date for files and folders in Home to appear unexpectedly blank.
- Improved the reliability of launching File Explorer.
- Fixed an issue where disconnected network drives could prevent searches from executing in Home.
- Resolved a crash issue in File Explorer when moving or renaming certain files.
[Login and Lock]
- Updated the web sign-in icon for better alignment with other icons on the login screen.
[Windowing]
- Fixed a crash related to snap layouts that could occur when dragging a window or hovering over the maximize button.
[Windows Update]
- Resolved an issue that prompted users to reboot for a cumulative update that was already installed.
[Settings]
- Corrected alignment issues in the navigation pane entries from the previous flight.
- Fixed crashes in Settings for some Insiders when accessing System > Power & Battery.
- Resolved loading issues with text in the Advanced Camera Options under Bluetooth & devices > Cameras.
Fixes for Everyone in the Dev Channel
[General]
- Addressed an issue where the toggle for receiving the latest updates via Settings > Windows Update was not rendering correctly and would turn off automatically.
Known Issues
[General]
- After performing a PC reset under Settings > System > Recovery, the build version may incorrectly display as Build 26100 instead of Build 26200. This will not hinder future Dev Channel updates.
[Recall]
- [REMINDER] It is advisable to update Microsoft 365 apps to the latest version to ensure seamless access to specific documents.
The following known issues will be addressed in future updates for Windows Insiders:
- Some Insiders may encounter difficulties with Recall, specifically with automatic snapshot saving and the inability to enable the setting in Settings. A fix is underway.
- Recall can be toggled on or off from “Turn Windows features on or off.” We are currently caching the Recall binaries on disk while testing add/remove functionality, with plans to completely remove the binaries in a future update.
[Click to Do]
- [REMINDER] If actions on image entities are not appearing, please ensure that the latest updates for the Photos and Paint app are installed from the Microsoft Store.
- [REMINDER] Intelligent text actions utilize Microsoft’s secure cloud to enhance text results, with automatic deletion of data. Local moderation for safety will be integrated in the future.
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 with improved Windows Search on Copilot+ PCs, it is recommended to connect your device during the initial search indexing. The indexing status can be checked under Settings > Privacy & security > Searching Windows.
[File Explorer]
- A fix is in progress for an issue causing File Explorer Home to crash for some Insiders. Users launching File Explorer to different folders should still be able to navigate without issue.
[Task Manager]
- After adding the new CPU Utility column, the System Idle Process may consistently display as 0.
- The CPU graphs in the Performance page are still reflecting the old CPU utility calculations.
[Widgets]
Additional updates and improvements are forthcoming for the Widgets feature.
Reminders for Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel
- Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel receive updates based on Windows 11, version 24H2 through an enablement package (Build 26200.xxxx).
- Many features in the Dev 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 Dev Channel eager to receive features gradually rolled out to you, enable the toggle to receive the latest updates via Settings > Windows Update*. Over time, feature rollouts will increase for those with the toggle on. If the toggle is off, new features will be rolled out gradually as they become 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 via the Feedback Hub.
- It is important to note 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 appear in the Beta Channel first.
- For a comprehensive overview of which build is in which Insider channel, please refer to Flight Hub.
Thank you,
Amanda & Brandon
