Hello, **Windows Insiders**! We’re excited to announce the release of the **Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3872 (KB5055640)**, now available in the **Beta Channel** for those rocking **Windows 11, version 24H2**. Buckle up as we dive into the exhilarating new features, enhancements, and fixes that await you!
Explore the New Copilot+ PC Experiences
Unleashing New Text Actions in Click to Do
Get ready for a great reading experience! We’re rolling out **two exciting text actions in Click to Do** that will transform how you interact with text on your Copilot+ PC.
Practice with Reading Coach: Enhance your reading fluency and pronunciation with the “Practice in Reading Coach” feature. Just select text recognized by Click to Do on your screen, pick the **Practice in Reading Coach** action, and read aloud. The Reading Coach will provide constructive feedback to help you improve. To start, [install the free Microsoft Reading Coach application from the Microsoft Store](https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9N0DGWH9PSZF?hl=en-us&gl=US&ocid=pdpshare).
Read with Immersive Reader: Enjoy a focused reading experience with “Read with Immersive Reader.” This feature presents recognized text in a distraction-free environment, perfect for readers of all abilities. Customize your reading by altering text size, spacing, font styles, and background themes. With options like have the text read aloud and a picture dictionary, it’s a game changer for improving literacy skills. Don’t miss out—[install the Microsoft Reading Coach application today](https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9N0DGWH9PSZF?hl=en-us&gl=US&ocid=pdpshare).
These remarkable text actions are currently rolling out to **Windows Insiders** on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, with support for AMD and Intel-powered systems coming soon. Want to dive deeper into Click to Do? [Learn more here](https://support.microsoft.com/topic/6848b7d5-7fb0-4c43-b08a-443d6d3f5955)!
FEEDBACK: Remember to share your feedback in the Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Desktop Environment > Click to Do.
Enhanced Photo Searching for Windows Insiders in the EEA
Big news for Windows Insiders in the **European Economic Area**! You can now discover photos saved in the cloud using the revamped Windows Search feature. Just type descriptive words into the taskbar search box, like “European castles” or “summer picnics.” You’ll find your cloud-stored images along with local files in the results!
The new Windows Search features are gradually rolling out, so keep an eye out! More details can be found [here](https://aka.ms/copilotpluspcs).
FEEDBACK: Share your experiences in the Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Desktop Environment > Search.
Gradual Rollouts of Exciting New Features in the Beta Channel
Voice Access Improvements You’ll Love
We’re thrilled to unveil several new **voice access enhancements** designed to make your experience smoother than ever.
Add Custom Words to the Dictionary: You can now **add your own vocabulary** in the voice access dictionary to enhance dictation accuracy! This feature operates in all currently supported voice access languages. Whether you have specific names or terminology you use frequently, this improvement ensures greater recognition accuracy. You can add words through several methods:
- Spelling a word using the “Spell that” command or correcting a word with “Correct that.”
- Manually adding a word anytime using “Add to Vocabulary.”
- Directly through settings in the voice access menu.
Discover New Features in Voice Access: Enjoy an immersive experience where voice access announces new features and enhancements. This helps you discover and test new functionalities easily. Launch or dismiss this experience directly from the settings menu.
We’re also including voice access under the **Accessibility flyout** via quick settings in the system tray for your convenience!
FEEDBACK: Share your thoughts in the Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Accessibility > Voice access.
Continuous Improvements and Fixes in the Beta Channel
Windows Search Enhancements
**Improved Windows Search** experiences are rolling out as a preview for Windows Insiders on Copilot+ PCs. You now have the option to turn off cloud content searches by navigating to **Settings > Privacy and Security > Search permissions**. This setting is initially available only for the taskbar’s search box; however, we plan to extend it to File Explorer in future updates.
File Explorer Upgrades
Good news! When opening folders from outside File Explorer (like from an app or desktop), they will now default to opening in a new tab if there’s an existing File Explorer window. Wish to revert to opening in a new window? You can adjust this in Folder Options under General > Browse Folders.
Widget Enhancements
We’re also refining the **Widgets** feature by enhancing your control over notification settings page, allowing you to manage notifications per feed or dashboard. Currently, this is rolling out for Windows Insiders in the EEA.
Windows Security Updates
Keep an eye on the **Windows Security app**, as it’s getting an upgrade! You’ll soon see more details regarding your **Pluton TPM chips** in the Device security section, including manufacturer information.
Settings Visual Overhaul
We’ve freshened up the printer renaming dialog in **Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners** to match the aesthetics of Windows 11.
More Minor Tweaks
The following updates are also on the way:
- When using the pnputil /enum-drivers command, you’ll now see a new field displaying driver package catalog attributes for clarity on driver types and attestation status.
Progressive Fixes Being Rolled Out
Addressing Start Menu Crashes
We’ve fixed an issue causing the **Start menu** to crash when creating folders for some Insiders, along with resolving a focus issue that could disrupt the search functionality when using the Windows key. Rest assured, your Start menu experience should now be smooth and uninterrupted.
Improved Windowing Experience
We tackled an issue where colors in snap layouts were not displaying correctly for some users, enhancing readability!
Faster Search on the Taskbar
The search functionality on the taskbar has been optimized to load faster! Previously sluggish search experiences shouldn’t slow you down anymore.
Voice Typing Bug Fixes
Voice typing is now working seamlessly across various keyboard layouts, including the touch keyboard for the Chinese (Simplified) narrow layout.
Task Manager Enhancements
Fixes in the **Task Manager** have addressed previous issues with search functionality, ensuring it operates correctly for optimal usability.
Voice Access Stability Improvement
We’ve resolved an issue causing voice access to freeze during dictation. Now, you can dictate text without interruption!
Additional Enhancements
General improvements have been made to the performance of early boot UI, including BitLocker and boot menu screens, making for a more fluid experience overall.
Fixes Available For All in the Beta Channel
General Updates
We’ve mitigated the installation issues associated with apps like Spotify from the Microsoft Store, resolving errors that previously hindered installs.
Known Issues – What to Watch For
General Concerns
- [REMINDER] Please note when joining the Beta Channel, you will first receive Build 26120.3360. This 2-hop experience is temporary.
- After a PC reset under **Settings > System > Recovery**, the build number may show incorrectly as Build 26100 instead of 26120, but rest assured this won’t hinder future updates.
- **Quick Assist** is not yet operational for non-administrator users.
- Post-update, the **Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)** may not function; however, this issue will be addressed in an upcoming update.
- Some applications may display as blank requiring a relaunch to rectify the issue.
- [NEW] If Windows Sandbox fails to launch with a 0x800705b4 error, you can attempt a reinstall by going to “Turn Windows features on or off,” unchecking Sandbox, rebooting, and rechecking it again.
Login and Lock Issues
- [NEW] We’re addressing reports that Windows Hello facial recognition isn’t functioning post-update for some Insiders.
Recall (Preview) Updates
- [REMINDER] You can always remove Recall via “Turn Windows features on or off,” which will delete entry points and binaries for non-executive copies.
- [REMINDER] Ensure you’re running the latest version of Microsoft 365 to access specific documents seamlessly.
We’re actively working on fixes for several known issues within the Windows Insider community.
[Click to Do (Preview)]
- [REMINDER] Intelligent text actions are now locally moderated for safety, with full availability in Click to Do.
- [REMINDER] If image actions no longer appear, ensure you’ve updated the Photos and Paint apps from the Microsoft Store.
Improved Windows Search
- [REMINDER] For optimal functionality, make sure your Copilot+ PC is plugged in during the initial indexing to enhance search performance. Check indexing status under **Settings > Privacy & security**.
Start Menu Troubles
- [NEW] Investigations into the Start menu reveal issues when clicking on your profile picture to access the Account Manager.
Task Manager Thoughts
- After adding the new CPU Utility column, the System Idle Process might display as 0, and CPU graphs may still reflect previous calculations.
Final Reminders for Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel
- Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel will receive updates based on **Windows 11, version 24H2**, via [an enablement package](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/kb5003791-update-to-windows-10-version-21h2-by-using-an-enablement-package-8bc077be-18d7-4aac-81ce-6f6dad2cd384) (Build 26120.xxxx).
- Updates are delivered to provide previews of enhancements to servicing technology on Windows 11.
- Features in the Beta Channel are usually rolled out using [Controlled Feature Rollout technology](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/delivering-continuous-innovation-in-windows-11-b0aa0a27-ea9a-4365-9224-cb155e517f12), so it might take time for everyone to access new features.
- For the fastest updates, remember to toggle the setting to receive the latest rollouts via **Settings > Windows Update**.
- Keep in mind that some features may ultimately undergo changes or be removed based on feedback and testing.
- Check out [Flight Hub](https://aka.ms/flighthub) to explore which build is in each Insider channel.
Thanks for being part of this journey!
Warm regards,
Amanda & Brandon
