Hello Windows Insiders, today marks the release of Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7535 (KB5072046) across both the Dev and Beta Channels. This dual offering serves as a reminder that the same builds are now available for both channels on Windows 11, version 25H2.
If you are currently part of the Dev Channel, there is a limited opportunity to transition to the Beta Channel. This window is closing soon. It is important to note that once the Dev Channel progresses to a higher build number, the chance to switch between these channels will be temporarily unavailable until a future opportunity arises. Insiders who faced challenges in switching channels previously should find the process smoother now.
Changes in the Dev and Beta Channel builds are categorized into two segments: new features, improvements, and fixes that are gradually being rolled out to Insiders who have opted to receive the latest updates via Settings > Windows Update, and those that are being made available to all users in the Dev and Beta Channels. For further details, please refer to the Reminders section at the end of this blog.
New features gradually being rolled out with toggle on*
Bringing Copilot-powered image descriptions to Narrator
Last year, we unveiled rich image descriptions in Narrator for Copilot+ PCs, allowing blind and low-vision users to access detailed, AI-generated descriptions of images, charts, and graphs. Narrator now collaborates with Copilot on all Windows 11 devices, enhancing its ability to interpret images and visual elements displayed on your screen. By pressing Narrator key + Ctrl + D, users can receive a description of the focused image, or use Narrator key + Ctrl + S to describe the entire screen. Copilot will open with the image ready, enabling users to input their own prompt for a tailored description. Importantly, the image is only shared after you choose to describe it, ensuring user control at every stage.
On Copilot+ PCs, Narrator continues to provide immediate, on-device image descriptions using local AI. Simply press Narrator key + Ctrl + D/S, and Narrator will promptly deliver a rich description, highlighting key elements such as people, objects, colors, text, numbers, and layout. For those seeking additional insights, selecting Ask Copilot allows for further exploration.
This feature is currently unavailable in the European Economic Area (EEA).
Uninstalling Microsoft Copilot App on managed devices
Administrators now have the capability to uninstall the Microsoft Copilot app for specific users by implementing a new policy titled RemoveMicrosoftCopilotApp. This policy applies under the following conditions:
- Both Microsoft 365 Copilot and Microsoft Copilot are installed
- The Microsoft Copilot app was not installed by the user
- The Microsoft Copilot app has not been launched in the last 28 days
When enabled, this policy will uninstall the Microsoft Copilot app once, although users retain the option to reinstall it if they wish. This policy is accessible on Enterprise, Pro, and EDU SKUs. To activate this policy, navigate to the Group Policy Editor and go to: User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows AI -> Remove Microsoft Copilot App.
Changes and Improvements gradually being rolled out with toggle on*
[For Developers]
- We are pleased to announce an enhancement to the Cross Device Resume capability introduced earlier. Previously, app developers could integrate with Resume using a solution based on the Link to Windows app. We have now added an additional integration path utilizing the Windows Notification System (WNS). This new option broadens the audience for the Resume capability while maintaining a seamless experience on Windows. We encourage developers to explore onboarding with this new capability alongside the existing integration method, maximizing continuity across devices.
[Windows Spotlight]
- The Windows Spotlight icon is undergoing a refresh, with the new icon rollout having commenced in late December for a select group of Insiders.
Fixes gradually being rolled out with toggle on*
[Start menu]
- Resolved an issue where the edge of the warning dialog displayed during shutdown, while other users remained signed in, was truncated by the Start menu’s edge.
[File Explorer]
- Addressed a problem causing explorer.exe to crash for some Insiders when invoking the context menu on the desktop.
[Input]
- Fixed an issue that could lead to a black flash when using a pen for inking in the Snipping Tool.
[Print]
- Corrected an issue that resulted in two print dialogs appearing instead of one when opening the print option.
- Standardized the color of the close button in the print dialog to align with other windows.
- Fixed a problem where text on the Printers and Scanners page in Settings could become truncated and unreadable.
[Windows Update]
- Resolved an issue that could cause the Windows Update settings page to hang during loading.
Known issues
[Xbox full screen experience for PC]
- Some applications may exhibit unexpected behavior when using Full-Screen Experience (FSE), particularly those that anticipate being locked to a specific size or that launch additional windows.
[Taskbar & System Tray]
- We are actively working on a fix for an issue causing the Start menu to fail to open for some Insiders upon clicking, although it can be accessed via the Windows key. This issue may also affect the notification center (accessible with WIN + N) and quick settings (WIN + A).
- We are investigating a situation where some Insiders do not see certain apps in the system tray when they should be visible.
- A fix is in progress for an issue in the latest builds where the taskbar, when set to autohide, may appear unexpectedly, obstructing access to apps in that area.
[Settings]
- [NEW] We are addressing an issue causing Settings to crash when interacting with audio devices.
[Bluetooth]
- We are working on a solution for an issue preventing the battery level of Bluetooth devices from displaying for some Insiders.
[Click to Do]
- We are investigating an issue where the Microsoft 365 Copilot prompt box on selected images does not function if the Microsoft 365 Copilot app is not running.
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 be among the first to receive features gradually rolled out to you, you can enable 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 activated. If you choose to keep this toggle off, new features will be gradually introduced to your PC as they become ready.
- Features and experiences included in these builds may never reach general release 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 are ready.
- Some features currently in development may not be fully localized, with localization occurring over time as features are finalized. If you encounter localization issues in your language, please report them via Feedback Hub.
- For a comprehensive overview of which build is in which Insider channel, please visit Flight Hub.
Thanks,
Windows Insider Program Team
