Hello, Windows Insiders! Exciting news is coming your way as we're thrilled to announce the release of the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.5160 (KB5053654) to the Beta Channel for all Windows Insiders using Windows 11, version 23H2.
For those curious about the future, the Windows 11, version 24H2 is available as an optional upgrade for Insiders in the Beta Channel.
Changes introduced in these Beta Channel builds come in two categories: **new features,** enhancements, and **fixes** that are being progressively rolled out to Insiders who've activated the toggle to receive the latest updates. For a detailed view on these changes, please refer to the Reminders section at the end of this blog post.
New Features Rolling Out to the Beta Channel
Introducing the Revolutionary Speech Recap in Narrator
At Microsoft, our mission is to enhance the experience for users who rely on the Narrator every day. We are excited to unveil a game-changing feature: **Speech Recap**. This innovative tool allows you to easily track what Narrator has spoken, effortlessly accessing it for quick reference. 📑
With **Speech Recap**, you can:
Access spoken content rapidly,
Follow along with live transcriptions, and
Copy the last thing Narrator said—all through user-friendly keyboard shortcuts.
The new speech recap window in Narrator.
To open the Speech Recap window, simply use Narrator key + Alt + X, which houses the last 500 strings Narrator has spoken. You’ll find this text refreshed every time Narrator starts, allowing for seamless navigation through spoken history.
Instant Copy and More!
Need to save or share something immediately? Use Narrator key + Control + X to copy the last spoken phrase directly to your clipboard!
Here’s how you can maximize the benefits of Speech Recap:
Refer to hints encountered while navigating app windows,
Copy error codes quickly, or
Integrate Narrator speech into training materials effortlessly.
Narrator’s speech recap window offering real-time transcriptions.
This tool is especially beneficial for:
**Assistive Technology trainers**,
**Teachers of visually impaired students**, and
**Professionals with hearing impairments** eager to utilize Narrator.
The following keyboard shortcuts ensure a smooth experience with Narrator:
Control + Windows key + Enter = Turn Narrator On/Off
Narrator key + X = Re-listen to what Narrator said last
Narrator key + Control + X = Copy the last spoken phrase
Narrator key + Alt + X = Access the Speech Recap window
We value your feedback immensely! Please share your thoughts in the Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Accessibility > Narrator.
Exciting Changes and Improvements in the Beta Channel
[Copilot on Windows]
Launching **Copilot on Windows** just got easier with **Win + C**! Personalize your Copilot experience effortlessly by navigating to Settings > Personalization > Text input.
Access the **press-to-talk** feature by holding down the **Copilot key** for 2 seconds. For those without a dedicated Copilot key, use **Win + C** instead. To end the conversation, simply hit the **Esc key**.
This **press-to-talk** feature allows for seamless voice interactions with Copilot, keeping your workflow uninterrupted. This update is currently rolling out across Insider Channels via the Microsoft Store.
[Windows Share]
In the Windows share window, enjoy new in-line editing capabilities for images, including cropping, rotating, and applying filters to enhance your visuals before sharing. Supported formats include .jpg, .png, and more!
[Settings]
We've simplified your experience with a new **FAQs** section in Settings > System > About. This section is designed to answer your most common queries about your PC, enhancing your overall understanding and experience!
The dedicated FAQ section in the About settings.
Fixes in the Beta Channel
[Start Menu Updates]
We’ve addressed the app icon delays in grid and category views post-installation.
[Desktop Icons Revamped]
The logic for pinned desktop apps has been updated! Packaged apps will no longer display an accent-colored backplate—this makes icons more prominent and easier to see! Note that creating new shortcuts may be necessary for these changes to take effect.
Known Issues
[Start Menu Concerns]
Known issues in the Start Menu's new grid and category views include:
Flashing context menus when right-clicking on apps may occur.
[Narrator Challenges]
If you're encountering issues with **Narrator crashing upon launch**, restarting your PC may resolve it. If not, consider utilizing a secondary screen reader for assistance in providing feedback in the Feedback Hub.
Important Reminders for Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel
Insiders on **Windows 11, version 23H2** will receive updates through an **enablement package** (Build 22635.xxxx).
Many features are gradually rolled out using **Controlled Feature Rollout technology**, allowing for feedback on the rollout process.
To stay on the cutting edge of features, toggle on the option to receive the latest updates in **Settings > Windows Update**. Should you keep this off, new features will roll out gradually.
Be aware that some features may not be fully localized and will be finalized over time based on feedback.
For the latest updates across Insider channels, check out the **Flight Hub** for an overview of builds.
That wraps our latest updates! Stay tuned for more features, enhancements, and fixes in your **Windows 11** experience. Thank you for being a crucial part of the Windows Insider community!
Until next time!
Best, Amanda & Brandon
