Hello Windows Insiders, today marks the release of Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5562 (KB5055642) to the Dev Channel. This update introduces a variety of new features, improvements, and fixes, which are categorized into two main buckets: those that are gradually rolled out for Insiders who have opted to receive the latest updates and those that are available to all users in the Dev Channel. For further details, please refer to the Reminders section at the end of this blog post.
New Copilot+ PC Experiences
New Text Actions in Click to Do
We are excited to announce the rollout of two innovative text actions within Click to Do:
- Practice in Reading Coach: This feature allows users to enhance their reading fluency and pronunciation. By selecting recognized text on the screen and choosing the “Practice in Reading Coach” action, users can read aloud while receiving feedback and guidance for improvement. To access this feature, download the free Microsoft Reading Coach application from the Microsoft Store.
- Read with Immersive Reader: This action transforms the reading experience by presenting recognized text in a distraction-free environment. Originally designed to assist readers with dyslexia and dysgraphia, Immersive Reader supports readers of all ages in enhancing their reading and writing skills. Users can customize text size, spacing, font, and background theme, and utilize features such as text-to-speech, syllable breaks, and a picture dictionary for improved comprehension. This feature is also accessible through the Microsoft Reading Coach application.
These text actions are currently being rolled out to Windows Insiders on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, with support for AMD and Intel-powered devices expected soon. More information on using Click to Do can be found here.
FEEDBACK: Please submit feedback in the Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Desktop Environment > Click to Do.
Finding Photos Saved in the Cloud via Windows Search
Windows Insiders in the European Economic Area can now utilize an enhanced Windows Search feature to locate cloud-stored photos directly from the taskbar search box. Users can simply describe their photos, such as “European castles” or “summer picnics,” and relevant results will appear alongside locally stored images. This improved search functionality will gradually roll out to Insiders on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, with support for AMD and Intel devices forthcoming. More details can be found here.
FEEDBACK: Please file feedback in the Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Desktop Environment > Search.
New Features Gradually Being Rolled Out to the Dev Channel
Improvements for Voice Access
This build introduces several enhancements for voice access:
- Add Custom Words to the Dictionary: Users can now add their own words to the voice access dictionary, improving dictation accuracy and context awareness. This feature is available in supported languages including English, French, German, Spanish, and Chinese.
- Discoverability Features: An immersive in-product experience will now announce new features and improvements in voice access, making it easier for users to discover and utilize these enhancements.
- Voice access will also be accessible under the Accessibility flyout via quick settings in the system tray.
FEEDBACK: Please file feedback in the Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Accessibility > Voice access.
Changes and Improvements Gradually Being Rolled Out to the Dev Channel
Improved Windows Search
Improved Windows Search is currently available in preview for Windows Insiders on Windows 11, version 24H2 in the Dev and Beta Channels on Copilot+ PCs.
- Users can now disable cloud content searching via Settings > Privacy and Security > Search permissions, initially applicable only to the taskbar search box, with future updates extending this capability to File Explorer.
File Explorer
- Changes are being rolled out so that folders opened from outside File Explorer will now default to opening in a new tab if an existing window is already open. Users can adjust this setting in File Explorer folder options.
Widgets
- Improvements to the notification settings page in widgets are being tested, allowing users to control notifications per feed or dashboard, currently available to Insiders in the EEA.
Windows Security
- A change in the Windows Security app will now display additional details, such as manufacturer and version for Pluton TPM chips, if applicable.
Settings
- The dialog for renaming printers has been updated to align with Windows 11 visuals.
Other Improvements
- A new field will be added to the pnputil /enum-drivers command, enumerating driver package catalog attributes.
Fixes Gradually Being Rolled Out to the Dev Channel
Start Menu
- An issue causing the Start menu to crash when creating folders has been resolved.
- Focus issues when initiating a search from the Start menu have been mitigated.
Windowing
- Color display issues for snap layouts at the top of the screen have been fixed.
Search on the Taskbar
- Improvements have been made to address slow loading times for the search feature.
Input
- Voice typing issues from the touch keyboard in the Chinese (Simplified) layout have been corrected.
Task Manager
- Search and filtering functionalities in Task Manager have been restored.
Voice Access
- Voice access freezing issues during dictation have been resolved.
Other Fixes
- Performance improvements for early boot UI have been implemented.
Fixes for Everyone in the Dev Channel
General
- Issues preventing some apps from installing from the Microsoft Store have been mitigated.
- Installation failures for the previous flight in the Dev Channel have been addressed.
Known Issues
General
- Post-PC reset, the build version may incorrectly display as Build 26100. This will not affect future Beta Channel updates.
- Quick Assist functionality is limited for non-administrator users.
- Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) may not function properly after this update, with fixes forthcoming.
- Some apps may appear blank post-update; relaunching should resolve this.
- [NEW] Windows Sandbox may fail to launch with a 0x800705b4 error; reinstalling may be necessary.
Recall (Preview)
- [REMINDER] Users can remove Recall at any time via “Turn Windows features on or off.”
- [REMINDER] Ensure Microsoft 365 apps are updated for optimal functionality.
Click to Do (Preview)
- [REMINDER] Intelligent text actions are now locally moderated for safety.
- [REMINDER] Ensure the latest updates for Photos and Paint apps for image actions.
Improved Windows Search
- [REMINDER] For optimal performance, plug in your Copilot+ PC during initial search indexing.
Start Menu
- [NEW] Investigations are underway regarding issues with the Account Manager not opening for some Insiders.
Task Manager
- New CPU Utility column issues and CPU graph calculations are being reviewed.
Reminders for Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel
- Updates in the Dev Channel are based on Windows 11, version 24H2 via an enablement package.
- Features in the Dev Channel may be rolled out gradually, with feedback influencing their availability.
- Some features may not be fully localized initially, and accessibility features may have limitations during preview.
- Check Flight Hub for a comprehensive overview of build statuses across Insider channels.
Thank you for your continued engagement and feedback.
