Microsoft has launched the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.2415 to its Dev Channel, specifically tailored for Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs. Yes, you read that right: This build comes packed with two highly intriguing features in their preview forms—Recall and Click to Do—both of which underscore Microsoft's increasing pivot towards productivity-enhancing tools supercharged by AI. Let’s take a closer look at what this new release means for tech enthusiasts, the brave souls subscribed to the Dev Channel, and everyone else interested in the intersection of Windows and AI.
However, Intel and AMD haven’t been quiet on this front. With Intel’s AI Matrix Extensions (AMX) and AMD’s Ryzen AI, it’s not difficult to imagine these features running seamlessly across all architectures in the not-too-distant future. But for now, Qualcomm holds the lead with Snapdragon-powered PCs.
But underpinning this promise is a nuanced balance between utility, privacy, and user control. AI features are great until they overstep, and Microsoft knows this better than anyone after its fair share of privacy controversies. As these tools evolve, it’ll be interesting to see how the company manages to merge usefulness with trust.
Have you tried out the Windows 11 Insider build yet? What do you think of Recall and AI-powered functionality in productivity tools? Let us know in the comments, or start a conversation about the impact of AI in operating systems on WindowsForum.com!
Source: The Tech Outlook Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.2415 Released to Dev Channel for Snapdragon-Powered Copilot+ PCs: Preview Recall and Click to Do
What Is This Build All About?
The Insider Preview Build 26120.2415 introduces next-generation features for Windows 11 users eager to experiment with forthcoming updates. It’s part of Microsoft’s strategy to empower developers, tech enthusiasts, and potentially advanced users by opening up early access to features—albeit not without bugs. This build is meant for users rocking PCs powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processors in conjunction with Copilot+, an enhanced version of Microsoft's AI assistant that melds into Windows 11.Getting Started with the Insider Preview Build
If you’re itching to get your hands on this build, first ensure you have a Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PC. Here’s a step-by-step guide to rolling up your sleeves:- Join the Windows Insider Program: Open your browser, head over to Microsoft's official Windows Insider portal, and sign up using your Microsoft Account or Microsoft Entra ID.
- Install the Preview Build:
- On your PC, navigate to Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program, and select Get Started.
- Pick the Dev Channel as your update channel – that's the one for cutting-edge features.
- Reboot your PC.
- Return to Settings > Windows Update, search for Build 26120.2415, and download it.
The Stars of This Build: Recall and Click to Do
1. Recall (Preview): Time Travel for Productivity
Recall is an AI-driven feature designed to solve one of modern life’s most frustrating problems: forgetting what you were doing five tabs ago. This tool uses snapshots of your activity to help you backtrack to previous tasks, whether that’s an app, a file, a website, or even an image. Essentially, it’s built to "recall" any work you’ve done, making it retrievable with just a quick search. Think of it as your digital assistant with a Zen master-like memory.- How it works: With Recall enabled, the operating system takes snapshots of your tasks, storing metadata like file paths, web URLs, or app identifiers. AI extracts this metadata to reconstruct your workflow seamlessly.
- Privacy Control: You decide whether to enable the snapshots feature. Microsoft promises that sensitive data is safeguarded, but users should always be cautious when storing or sharing their work environments via cloud-related features.
2. **Click to Do (Preview via Recall): Beyond Task Management
Click to Do spins out from Recall as its logical next step: enabling users to perform specific actions based on the information retrieved. By recognizing content from your past activities—including text and images—Click to Do offers suggested AI-powered actions to execute tasks on the fly.- What it does: From scheduling appointments based on previous emails, to extracting actionable insights from charts in a recalled spreadsheet, this feature is all about leveraging the past for real-time productivity.
- Productivity Enhancer: Not only does it “remember” for you, but it also takes #productivevibes to the next level, allowing you to dive right into what’s most relevant with fewer clicks and more streamlined processes.
Snapdragon vs. The Rest: Why the Limitation?
For now, Recall and Click to Do are exclusive to Snapdragon-based Copilot+ machines. But what about Intel and AMD users? Microsoft has promised that this functionality will roll out to other hardware architectures soon. The catch here is tied to the integration of AI accelerators in Snapdragon processors, designed to optimize AI tools like Copilot+. Microsoft seems to be capitalizing on its partnership with Qualcomm to edge out the competition in AI-driven operating systems.However, Intel and AMD haven’t been quiet on this front. With Intel’s AI Matrix Extensions (AMX) and AMD’s Ryzen AI, it’s not difficult to imagine these features running seamlessly across all architectures in the not-too-distant future. But for now, Qualcomm holds the lead with Snapdragon-powered PCs.
Dev Channel: The Double-Edged Sword
Let’s be honest: being part of the Windows Insider Dev Channel is as thrilling as it is risky. This channel is Microsoft’s experimental sandbox, where users can test features long before they’re stable enough for broader public releases. While there’s a certain tech-hipster coolness to running these builds, expect to encounter:- Unexpected bugs and crashes that could disrupt your workflow.
- Compatibility issues with third-party software.
- Features that get scrapped before making it into stable builds.
AI Continues To Take Center Stage in Windows 11
Microsoft’s ongoing investment in AI technologies raises questions and eyebrows alike. Features like Copilot+, Recall, and Click to Do clearly show that Redmond has AI on the brain. The tech giant isn’t just sprinkling machine learning into search boxes; it’s actively building functionality that could change the way we interact with our operating systems.But underpinning this promise is a nuanced balance between utility, privacy, and user control. AI features are great until they overstep, and Microsoft knows this better than anyone after its fair share of privacy controversies. As these tools evolve, it’ll be interesting to see how the company manages to merge usefulness with trust.
Ready to Take the Plunge?
If you’re using a Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PC and want to get a taste of Recall and Click to Do, now’s the time to fetch Build 26120.2415. As these features continue to evolve, Microsoft is setting the stage for innovation that—fingers crossed—will eventually roll out to more platforms and stable builds.Have you tried out the Windows 11 Insider build yet? What do you think of Recall and AI-powered functionality in productivity tools? Let us know in the comments, or start a conversation about the impact of AI in operating systems on WindowsForum.com!
Source: The Tech Outlook Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.2415 Released to Dev Channel for Snapdragon-Powered Copilot+ PCs: Preview Recall and Click to Do