Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7262 (Dev & Beta Channels)

Hello Windows Insiders, today marks the release of Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7262 (KB5070303) across both the Dev and Beta Channels. This update continues to unify the experience for Insiders, as both channels will now receive the same builds based on Windows 11, version 25H2.

For those currently in the Dev Channel, an opportunity has arisen to switch to the Beta Channel. This window will remain open only while the same 25H2-based updates are being released for both channels. Once the Dev Channel progresses to a higher build number, the option to switch will no longer be available. It’s advisable to consider your preferred channel during this period, as future updates in the Dev Channel may introduce less stability.

Changes and enhancements in the Dev and Beta Channel builds are categorized into two main areas: new features, improvements, and fixes that are gradually rolled out for Insiders who have opted to receive the latest updates (accessible via Settings > Windows Update), and those that are being released to all users in the Dev and Beta Channels. For further details, please refer to the Reminders section at the end of this announcement.

New features gradually being rolled out with toggle on*

HD Voices in Narrator and Magnifier

The Narrator and Magnifier now feature high-definition voices for English (United States), leveraging Azure’s advanced on-device text-to-speech models. These voices utilize generative AI to enhance tone and pacing, resulting in more natural and expressive speech.

When utilizing Narrator or listening to text through Magnifier, these HD voices deliver clearer audio and a smoother flow, significantly reducing listening fatigue during extended sessions. Currently, HD voices are available in English (United States), with options for one male (Andrew) and one female (Ava) voice. Users can personalize their experience by adjusting voice speed and switching between voices at any time.

To enable in Narrator:

1. Open Settings → Accessibility → Narrator.
2. Navigate to the “add a natural voice” button.
3. Download your preferred HD voice.
4. Switch voices or adjust speed anytime in Narrator settings.

To enable in Magnifier:

1. Open Settings → Accessibility → Magnifier.
2. Navigate to the “add a natural voice” button.
3. Download your preferred voice.
4. Change voices or adjust speed anytime in Magnifier settings.

FEEDBACK: We encourage you to share your thoughts in the Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Accessibility > Narrator or Accessibility > Magnifier.

Narrator now supports math

• The initial phase of Math reading in Narrator is here, enhancing the experience for users who are blind or have low vision. This update allows equations in Microsoft 365 apps like Word to be read in a structured manner, reflecting their intended understanding. This improvement is crucial for students and professionals engaged in STEM education, enabling them to explore equations and scientific notations independently.
• To experience this feature, activate Narrator (press Win + Ctrl + Enter) and open a Word document with mathematical equations. Utilize standard Narrator reading commands to hear equations read aloud in a more natural and structured format. We are committed to refining this experience and expanding its applicability in the future.
• FEEDBACK: Please provide your insights in the Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Accessibility > Narrator.

AI Components Setting

Changes and Improvements gradually being rolled out with toggle on*

[Click to Do]

• The Click to Do context menu is receiving a streamlined design, simplifying the process of locating essential actions. Frequently used options such as Copy, Save, Share, and Open will now be more accessible directly from the context menu.
• When a large image or table appears on your screen, the context menu will automatically pop up, facilitating quicker access to necessary actions.

Image Object Selection Update

• We are temporarily disabling Image Object select as detailed for Dev and Beta.

Teaching Tip Updates

• Improvements have been made to teaching tips and the introduction screen in tutorial mode.
• A new “Launch Tutorial” button and refreshed instructions simplify the initiation of the tutorial.

[Input]

• Pens equipped with haptic feedback will now provide tactile responses during specific interactions with the system UI, such as vibrations when hovering over the close button or when resizing windows.

[File Explorer]

• We are reconfiguring the CFR that supported AI Actions in File Explorer. Insiders may temporarily notice a loss in image actions and Copilot summary actions as we relaunch and gradually roll out these features.
• The rollout of the ability for newly launched File Explorer folders to open in tabs instead of windows has been paused due to functionality issues. We appreciate your understanding.
• We are working on consolidating share options in the context menu into a single entry point. (Updated 11/17)

[Administrator Protection]

Fixes gradually being rolled out with toggle on*

[General]

• Resolved an issue that caused mouse and keyboard functionality to fail for some Insiders in WinRE / Advanced Startup.

[Recall]

• Fixed a problem that led some Insiders to receive a message indicating they lacked an eligible camera for Recall, despite having one.

[Task Manager]

• Addressed an issue where the Task Manager process did not terminate correctly after closing, which could have resulted in Task Manager unexpectedly reopening at boot.

[Settings]

• Fixed an issue where the Virtual Workspaces options were not functioning correctly in Settings > System > Advanced, restoring availability for Insiders.
• Resolved a problem where CPU information in Settings > System > About was unexpectedly truncated.

Known issues

[Taskbar & System Tray]

• We are investigating a situation where the Start menu fails to open for some Insiders upon clicking, although it can be accessed using the Windows key. This issue may also affect the notification center (accessible via WIN + N).
• We are looking into a problem where certain apps are not appearing in the system tray as expected.

[File Explorer]

• Scrollbar and footer may be missing, displaying a white block instead when text is scaled in the dark mode version of the copy dialog.

[.NET Framework and Visual Studio]

• [NEW] Insiders using ARM64 PCs may experience crashes with Visual Studio or applications relying on the .NET Framework. To address this issue, please scan for Windows Updates and install the latest .NET Framework update.

Reminders for Windows Insiders in the Dev & Beta Channels

• Updates are based on Windows 11, version 25H2 via an enablement package (Build 26220.xxxx).
• Many 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, activate 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 enabled. 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 widely, as we test various concepts and gather feedback. Features may evolve, be removed, or replaced and may not be available beyond Windows Insiders. Some of these experiences could appear in future Windows releases when they’re ready.
• Localization for features in active development may not be fully complete, and will be addressed over time as features are finalized. Please report any localization issues via Feedback Hub.
• For a comprehensive overview of the current build in each Insider channel, please refer to Flight Hub.

Thanks,
Windows Insider Program Team