Hello Windows Insiders, today marks the release of Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7051 (KB5067115) to both the Dev and Beta Channels. This update signifies a significant step forward, as we begin to offer the same Dev Channel updates based on Windows 11, version 25H2 to Insiders in the Beta Channel as a recommended update.
For those currently in the Dev Channel, a unique opportunity arises: you can switch to the Beta Channel during this transitional period. This window will remain open only while we continue to release the same 25H2-based updates across both channels. Once we advance the Dev Channel to a higher build number, the option to switch will close. As the Dev Channel progresses, stability may fluctuate, so we encourage you to carefully consider your channel preference during this time.
For more information, see the Reminders section at the bottom of this blog post.
New features gradually being rolled out with toggle on*
Introducing Ask Copilot in taskbar
The newly integrated Ask Copilot in the taskbar transforms how you interact with your PC, providing immediate assistance and collaboration whenever needed. This opt-in feature allows for seamless access to Copilot Vision and Voice, facilitating a more intuitive interaction style. Whether you prefer text or voice commands, or guided support through Copilot Vision, the experience is tailored to your preferences, ensuring you remain in control. As you type, results are dynamically updated, simplifying the search process.
To enable this feature, navigate to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Ask Copilot. You can also manage the automatic launch of the Copilot app at sign-in through the “Auto start on log in” toggle in the Copilot app settings. Ask Copilot complements the traditional Windows Search experience, allowing you to continue using Search as you always have while exploring this new functionality.
Importantly, Ask Copilot utilizes existing Windows APIs to retrieve apps, files, and settings—similar to Windows Search—and does not provide Copilot with access to your personal content. For further details on privacy and control options for Microsoft Copilot, please refer to the relevant documentation.
Feedback: We welcome your insights in the Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Desktop Environment > Ask Copilot in taskbar.
Full screen experience
Following the initial launch of the full screen experience (FSE) on the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, today’s preview expands its availability to additional Windows 11 handheld devices currently on the market. This feature is designed with console-style navigation in mind, offering a clean and distraction-free interface for handheld gaming.
The Xbox PC app, paired with the full screen experience, ensures smooth task switching and optimized performance by minimizing background processes and deferring non-essential tasks, thus maintaining responsive gameplay.
How to enable FSE:
On supported devices, go to Settings > Gaming > Full screen experience, then select Xbox as your home app. Once enabled, you can access FSE from Task View and Game Bar or configure your handheld to enter full screen experience on startup.
Feedback: Share your thoughts in the Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Gaming and Xbox > Gaming Handhelds.
Shared audio (preview)
- In this update, we are initiating the rollout of shared audio (preview), a new feature built on Bluetooth® LE Audio broadcast technology, designed for Copilot+ PCs. This functionality allows two family members to enjoy movies together while traveling or enables two students to share music while studying.
- To get started, access the “Shared audio (preview)” tile in quick settings, select two supported paired and connected accessories, and click “Share” to begin.
- For more information about shared audio (preview), including details about compatible PCs and accessories, visit Extending Bluetooth® LE Audio on Windows 11 with shared audio (preview).
Changes and Improvements gradually being rolled out with toggle on*
[Prism]
- We are enabling the feature update to Prism, our emulator for Windows on Arm, which enhances compatibility for more 64-bit x86 (x64) applications by adding support for additional CPU features under emulation. This support will be available by default for all 64-bit x86 applications, while 32-bit x86 applications can opt in through the emulation settings in the Properties window.
- Your feedback on compatibility issues or performance regressions is invaluable; please submit any concerns through the Feedback Hub (Win + F) under Apps and the specific app experiencing issues.
Fixes gradually being rolled out with toggle on*
[General]
- Addressed an underlying issue that caused keyboards or other USB devices to malfunction for a small number of Insiders following recent updates.
[Start menu]
- Resolved an issue where interacting with a folder or its contents in the Start menu could lead to the folder becoming invisible.
[File Explorer]
- Implemented changes to enhance the responsiveness of File Explorer when navigating network locations.
- Made improvements to reduce the launch time of File Explorer.
- Corrected an issue where the “Open” option in File Explorer’s context menu displayed the incorrect icon for .exe, .cmd, and .bat files.
- Fixed a problem where desktop icons might shift unexpectedly when interacting with files.
- Addressed issues with tooltips not appearing as expected when navigating Home using a keyboard.
[Lock and login screens]
- Fixed a memory leak associated with the lock screen set to slide show, which could lead to performance or reliability issues over time.
- Resolved an issue that caused slow login times for new accounts.
[Settings]
- Corrected an issue where the search box in Settings could overlap with the minimum and maximize buttons in the title bar.
[Other]
- Fixed an issue where screen readers might incorrectly announce “legacy window” without reading window contents in certain apps.
- Resolved a rendering issue with text in multiline text boxes across various applications.
- Addressed playback failures for protected content on some machines following recent updates.
- Fixed an issue that caused significantly lower ethernet upload speeds on certain PCs after the latest updates.
Known issues
[Taskbar & System Tray]
- We are currently investigating an issue preventing the Start menu from opening for some Insiders via click, although it remains accessible using the Windows key. This issue may also affect the notification center, which can be opened with WIN + N.
- We are looking into reports of apps not appearing in the system tray as expected for some Insiders.
[File Explorer]
- Copy progress may flicker when selecting more or fewer details in the dark mode version of the copy dialog.
- The scrollbar and footer may be missing, displaying a white block instead when text is scaled in the dark mode version of the copy dialog.
Reminders for Windows Insiders in the Dev & Beta Channels
- Updates are based on Windows 11, version 25H2 via an enablement package (Build 26220.xxxx).
- Features 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 to get the latest updates via Settings > Windows Update*. Over time, we will increase the rollout of features to everyone with the toggle turned on. If you choose to keep this toggle off, new features will be rolled out to your PC over time once they are ready.
- Features and experiences included in these builds may not be released, as we experiment with different concepts and gather feedback. Features may evolve, be removed, or replaced, and may not be released beyond Windows Insiders. Some of these features could appear in future Windows releases when they’re ready.
- Some actively developed features previewed with Windows Insiders may not be fully localized; localization will occur over time as features are finalized. Please report any localization issues through the Feedback Hub.
- For a comprehensive view of which build is in which Insider channel, check out Flight Hub.
Thank you,
Amanda
