Keeping your Windows 11 PC in optimal condition is becoming more straightforward, as Microsoft rolls out a new feature known as quick machine recovery (QMR) to Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel. This innovative tool, unveiled during Ignite 2024, is designed to automatically detect and resolve issues directly from the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), significantly minimizing downtime and the need for manual intervention.
Introducing quick machine recovery
Quick machine recovery is a key component of the Windows Resiliency Initiative and is now accessible in the latest Windows Insider Preview build. When enabled, QMR tackles common boot problems by automatically identifying and applying fixes. In the event of a critical boot failure, the device seamlessly transitions into WinRE, connects to the network, and transmits diagnostic data to Microsoft. This allows for targeted remediations to be deployed via Windows Update.
IT administrators are encouraged to enable and customize this feature, which is set to be enabled by default for home users. Windows Insiders can begin testing QMR immediately and provide feedback through the Feedback Hub app. To do so, simply select Recovery and Uninstall > Quick Machine Recovery. A test remediation package will soon be available, allowing users to witness the quick machine recovery process firsthand.
Introducing speech recap in Narrator
In a continuous effort to enhance accessibility, Microsoft is introducing a new feature called speech recap in Narrator. This addition aims to assist users in tracking what Narrator has spoken, providing quick access for reference. With speech recap, users can easily access spoken content, follow along with live transcriptions, and copy the last spoken phrase using straightforward keyboard shortcuts.
To open the speech recap window, users can press Narrator key + Alt + X, which will display the last 500 strings spoken by Narrator. The text in this window refreshes each time Narrator starts, and users can navigate through the content using standard reading commands. For those needing to save or share a recent phrase, the shortcut Narrator key + Control + X allows for instant copying to the clipboard.
This feature is particularly beneficial for various scenarios, such as referencing hints when opening new windows, copying error codes, or incorporating Narrator speech into training materials. Live transcription of Narrator speech is also advantageous for Assistive Technology trainers and educators supporting students with visual impairments. Users can view real-time transcriptions by opening the speech recap window and positioning it on their screen as needed.
The keyboard shortcuts for speech recap follow a simple pattern, making them easy to learn:
- Control + Windows key + Enter = Turn Narrator on/Off
- Narrator key + X = Re-hear what Narrator said last
- Narrator key + Control + X = Copy what Narrator said last
- Narrator key + Alt + X = Open Speech recap window for history and live transcriptions
Windows 11 Build 26120.3653: Gradual changes
General
- Microsoft is previewing a more streamlined user interface for unexpected restarts, aligning better with Windows 11 design principles. This update aims to expedite user productivity while retaining essential technical information. Windows Insiders will notice this change as a “green screen,” which is beginning to roll out across various Insider Channels.
Copilot on Windows
- Users can now launch Copilot on Windows using Win + C. The Copilot key experience can be personalized through Settings > Personalization > Text input.
- The press to talk feature allows users to engage with Copilot by holding the Copilot key for two seconds. For devices without the Copilot key, the same can be achieved using Win + C. Conversations can be ended by pressing the Esc key, and inactivity will automatically conclude the session.
- Developers can also implement the press to talk functionality in their applications that support the Copilot key.
- These features are gradually rolling out, ensuring that all Insiders have a seamless Copilot experience.
Click to Do (Preview)
- On Copilot+ PCs, Click to Do is now accessible from the Start menu, with options to pin it for easy access.
- This feature can perform intelligent text actions in multiple languages, including Spanish and French, alongside English. Support for additional languages will follow in future updates.
- Click to Do also includes a text action for creating bulleted lists, currently available in the same languages and on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs.
- Policies for managing Click to Do in commercial environments are being provided for IT administrators.
Windows Share
- Improvements to Windows share include a visual preview of content when sharing links or web content.
- Users can now edit images quickly within the share window, including cropping, rotating, and applying filters. Additionally, there is functionality for compressing images to reduce file size, applicable only to local images in supported formats.
