Microsoft has unveiled the latest iteration of its operating system with the release of Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7535 (KB5072046) to both the Dev and Beta Channels. This update, based on the Windows 11 version 25H2, comes with an array of enhancements, particularly in accessibility, alongside improvements for administrators managing Copilot features. Notably, users in the Dev Channel still have a limited opportunity to transition to the Beta Channel.
New Features and Enhancements
The update places a strong emphasis on accessibility, introducing Copilot-powered image descriptions through the Narrator feature. This functionality allows users to generate detailed descriptions of images and visual elements across all Windows 11 devices. By simply focusing on an image or the entire screen, users can activate Copilot, which works in tandem with Narrator to provide context-aware explanations and facilitate follow-up inquiries.
For those utilizing Copilot+ PCs, the on-device AI descriptions operate seamlessly without the need to transmit data to the cloud. This capability is now extended to non-Copilot+ systems, ensuring that image sharing occurs only when explicitly requested by the user. However, it is important to note that this feature is currently unavailable within the European Economic Area.
Administrative Control Over Copilot
In this latest build, Microsoft has introduced a new Group Policy option titled Remove Microsoft Copilot App. This feature empowers administrators to uninstall the Copilot app from specific users or devices under certain conditions, such as when the app has not been user-installed or has not been recently launched. This policy is applicable to Enterprise, Pro, and Education editions, while users retain the ability to manually reinstall Copilot after its removal.
Additional Changes and Bug Fixes
Beyond these significant updates, Build 26220.7535 also brings a subtle refresh to the Windows Spotlight desktop icon, alongside a series of bug fixes. These fixes address various issues, including:
- Problems within the Start menu
- Crashes in File Explorer related to context menus
- Inconsistencies in the printing dialog
- Flashes during pen input in the Snipping Tool
- Hangs in Windows Update
Despite these improvements, several known issues persist, such as interaction problems within the Start menu for some Insiders, inconsistencies in the system tray, taskbar auto-hide behavior anomalies, and crashes in Settings when managing audio devices.
Microsoft has indicated that the features included in this build are being rolled out in a controlled manner and may undergo changes or removal prior to any general release.
