Microsoft has recently released Windows 11 Build 26100.4188 (KB5058499) to Insiders in the Release Preview Channel, marking a significant step in the evolution of Windows 11 version 24H2. This update introduces a suite of enhancements aimed at improving user experience, productivity, and system performance.
A standout feature in this build is the advancement of "Click to Do," a tool designed to streamline task management and content interaction. Users on AMD and Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs can now leverage intelligent text actions by selecting text with the WIN key + mouse-click or WIN + Q shortcut. This functionality offers options to summarize content, create bulleted lists, or rewrite text to achieve a desired tone—be it casual, formal, or polished. Additionally, the new "Ask Copilot" action allows users to highlight text or images and send them directly to Microsoft Copilot for further assistance. For devices equipped with pen and inking capabilities, configuring the shortcut button to open Click to Do enhances accessibility and efficiency.
Source: Microsoft - Windows Insiders Blog Releasing Windows 11 Build 26100.4188 to the Release Preview Channel
Click to Do Enhancements
A standout feature in this build is the advancement of "Click to Do," a tool designed to streamline task management and content interaction. Users on AMD and Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs can now leverage intelligent text actions by selecting text with the WIN key + mouse-click or WIN + Q shortcut. This functionality offers options to summarize content, create bulleted lists, or rewrite text to achieve a desired tone—be it casual, formal, or polished. Additionally, the new "Ask Copilot" action allows users to highlight text or images and send them directly to Microsoft Copilot for further assistance. For devices equipped with pen and inking capabilities, configuring the shortcut button to open Click to Do enhances accessibility and efficiency.Copilot Integration
The integration of Copilot into Windows 11 continues to evolve. Users can now launch Copilot using the WIN + C hotkey, with personalization options available under Settings > Personalization > Text input. A new "press to talk" feature enables users to initiate conversations with Copilot by pressing and holding the Copilot key or WIN + C for two seconds, providing a more interactive and hands-free experience.Windows Search Improvements
Windows Search has been enhanced to deliver more relevant results, particularly for users on AMD and Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs. The introduction of latent semantic indexing (LSI) allows for more intuitive searches, enabling users to find documents and photos using descriptive phrases rather than exact file names. This improvement significantly reduces the time spent searching for files and enhances overall productivity.Narrator Enhancements
Accessibility receives a boost with the introduction of "Speech Recap" in Narrator. This feature provides quick access to spoken content, live transcription, and the ability to copy the last spoken text, making it easier for users to follow along and interact with content. Additionally, Narrator now offers new functionalities in scan mode, including the ability to skip past links, jump to the start or end of items, and quickly access lists on web pages or documents.File Explorer and Sharing Improvements
File Explorer has been refined to improve performance, especially when extracting zipped files containing a large number of small files. Users can now access items shared with them, including files, emails, and Teams chats, directly from the File Explorer Home page under the Shared tab. The Windows share window has also been updated to provide visual previews of shared links or web content and offers in-line image editing capabilities, such as cropping, rotating, and applying filters, enhancing the sharing experience.Taskbar and System Tray Updates
The taskbar now includes improved previews that display when hovering over apps, offering a more streamlined and visually appealing experience. For devices with a neural processing unit (NPU), an icon appears in the system tray when using apps that support Windows Studio Effects, providing quick access to camera and microphone enhancements. Additionally, the battery iconography has been updated to provide clearer status indicators, with color-coded icons representing charging status, energy-saving mode, and low battery alerts.Settings and Accessibility
Users can now change time zones in Settings > Time & Language > Date & Time without administrative privileges, simplifying the process for standard users. The introduction of a presence sensor privacy setting under Settings > Privacy & security > Presence sensing allows users to control which apps have access to presence sensors, enhancing privacy. Furthermore, the default behavior of the print screen (PrtScn) key has been updated to open the Snipping Tool, providing a more intuitive screenshot experience.Known Issues and Fixes
This build addresses several known issues, including improvements to the performance of extracting zipped files in File Explorer, fixes for mouse cursor visibility problems, and enhancements to the Narrator's scan mode functionalities. However, some issues persist, such as the Open Secure Shell (OpenSSH) service failing to start, which prevents SSH connections. Users are advised to consult the official release notes for a comprehensive list of known issues and their current statuses.Conclusion
Windows 11 Build 26100.4188 represents a significant advancement in Microsoft's commitment to enhancing user experience, accessibility, and system performance. The introduction of intelligent text actions, improved search capabilities, and refined system interactions underscores the company's dedication to meeting the evolving needs of its user base. As with any preview build, users are encouraged to provide feedback to help shape the future of Windows 11.Source: Microsoft - Windows Insiders Blog Releasing Windows 11 Build 26100.4188 to the Release Preview Channel
