Windows 11 insiders have a lot to talk about with the rollout of build 26120.3576 (KB5053650) for version 24H2. This update, recently unveiled by Neowin, packs in an impressive set of improvements—from making Voice Access smarter and more flexible on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ devices to addressing a host of pesky bugs in Recall, Settings, File Explorer, and beyond. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty details of this build, what it means for Windows enthusiasts, and how these changes are setting the stage for a more intuitive and refined user experience.
For those eager to test out these changes, it’s recommended to activate the toggle for Voice Access improvements and experiment with natural language commands. And while some known bugs might cause temporary hiccups, the overall direction is clearly towards a more adaptive and accessible platform.
Have you had a chance to explore build 26120.3576? With enhancements that touch both the innovative and the everyday, it’s an update that promises to make life on Windows a bit smoother. Share your experiences and let’s discuss the future of Windows together—after all, in a rapidly evolving digital landscape, every tweak and fix is a step toward the next big breakthrough in user experience.
Source: Neowin Windows 11 build 26120.3576 is out with Voice Access, Recall improvements, and more
A New Chapter for Voice Access
One of the standout features in build 26120.3576 is the overhaul of Voice Access. For years, voice commands on Windows required a strict and often frustrating syntax. Gone are the days when you had to remember the exact command phrasing for your system to understand your intent. This update transforms that experience by introducing an ability for users to speak more naturally.- Flexible Command Recognition:
Instead of having to say “Open Edge,” you can now use more conversational phrases like “Can you open Edge application,” “Switch to Microsoft Edge,” or even “Please open the Edge browser.” This flexibility means that your intent is translated more accurately into action, reducing the learning curve and making hands-free computing much more accessible. - Real-Time Command Suggestions:
If the system misinterprets a command or doesn’t catch a nuance, it now provides actual suggestions based on what you said. This dynamic feature helps users quickly adjust their commands, ensuring smoother navigation and control. - Enhanced Support on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs:
For users on Copilot+ devices, the improvements are particularly significant. These are the platforms where voice interaction is critical, and now they come equipped with a more intuitive, context-aware interface. - Multi-language Support:
Another feather in the cap is the new Chinese language support. Whether you’re using Simplified Chinese (zh-cn) or Traditional Chinese (zh-tw), Voice Access is now ready to facilitate effortless navigation using voice commands, broadening the device’s global appeal.
Addressing Bugs and Enhancing Usability
Beyond the transformative changes in Voice Access, build 26120.3576 includes an extensive list of bug fixes and improvements that enhance everyday usability. Here’s a closer look:- Recall on Copilot+ PCs:
Numerous fixes target Recall—a feature that helps you jump back into specific documents. Previously, users managed under an IT-administered Microsoft Entra ID faced an issue where installing an earlier build would delete their Recall snapshots with every reboot. This build cleans up that behavior, ensuring smoother recall of your work. - File Explorer Fixes:
A couple of issues have been addressed in File Explorer:- The “see more …” menu in the command bar now behaves correctly across various screen resolutions.
- A slowdown when closing File Explorer (especially via the X button) has been noted and is currently under review. Additionally, some Insiders reported crashes when launching File Explorer Home; using alternate navigation methods, such as the Run dialog or search, should serve as a temporary workaround.
- Login and Lock Screen Stability:
A bug causing crashes on the login screen—specifically when interacting with sign-in options—has now been squared away. This fix ensures a more stable boot and sign-in process, a relief for users who rely on smooth recovery during login. - Settings Enhancements:
The update corrects layout issues, such as unexpected extra spacing on pages like Settings > System > Sound. These small tweaks may seem minor, but they contribute significantly to a seamless and visually pleasing user experience. - Printing Improvements:
Two common printing-related issues have been addressed:- A message indicating a failure with the “Send to OneNote” driver has been resolved.
- Non-admin users now have the capability to uninstall printers they added, removing a barrier for those without administrative privileges.
The Known Bugs: What’s Still Under the Hood
Even with these robust improvements, every update carries its share of known issues. Microsoft has adequately documented these, providing transparency while working on refinements for future builds. Here’s a rundown of what to expect:- Two-Hop Update Experience:
New Dev and Beta Channel users of Windows 11 version 24H2 might first receive build 26120.3360. After installing this intermediate version, you’ll then be offered the latest update. It’s a temporary measure, but it’s worth noting if you’re eager to jump straight to the cutting edge. - Windows Update Recovery Challenges:
Some users attempting the “Fix problems using Windows Update” option have encountered error 0x80070005. This issue temporarily prevents the reinstallation of the build, hinting at a permissions or compatibility nuance that Microsoft will likely iron out soon. - Update Toggle Visual Bug:
The toggle for receiving the latest updates under Settings > Windows Update currently suffers from a rendering mistake—appearing turned off erroneously. While this is only cosmetic, it could lead to temporary confusion as to whether or not your system is set to automatically fetch updates. - Reset Build Number Display:
There’s a known specter where, following a PC reset, the build version might falsely display as 26100 instead of the actual 26120. Rest assured, this is strictly a display issue, and it won’t hinder future update rollouts. - Recall Feature Issues:
A few quirks persist with Recall:- Some Insiders have found that new snapshots cannot be saved or settings altered.
- There’s also an intermittent problem with automatic snapshot saving.
Microsoft notes that these issues will be addressed in upcoming builds, so it’s wise to keep your Microsoft 365 apps updated and watch for further instructions regarding the Recall functionality.
- Taskbar and Task Manager Observations:
- When using your PC in tablet mode, you might notice that taskbar icons aren’t scaling up correctly—a minor inconvenience if you’re a tablet-first user.
- For those dissecting performance metrics, the new CPU Utility column in Task Manager shows System Idle Process consistently at 0, and the CPU graphs retain outdated calculation methods.
Expert Analysis: Bridging Innovation and Everyday Usability
It’s always worth asking: Do these changes signal a broader shift in how Microsoft envisions the Windows experience? Absolutely. The emphasis on natural language processing in Voice Access is indicative of a broader trend toward AI-driven, context-aware computing. As voice-based interactions become increasingly sophisticated, Microsoft’s focus on intuitive usability over rigid command syntax positions Windows 11 as a forward-thinking platform, particularly appealing for accessibility and productivity.- What Does This Mean for Everyday Users?
Even if you’re not an Insider, the fixes implemented in build 26120.3576 address many of the day-to-day annoyances that haunt Windows users. Whether it’s a glitchy File Explorer, a finicky login screen, or the frustration of misinterpreted voice commands, these improvements streamline your workflow and enhance overall system stability. - A Boost for Copilot+ PC Users:
Insiders with Snapdragon-powered devices should note that the enhanced Voice Access support isn’t just about novelty—it transforms the very interaction model on these devices. Coupled with the broader AI initiatives seen in modern computing, expect future builds to integrate even more sophisticated AI tools directly into the operating system. - The Road Ahead for Windows 11 Updates:
Microsoft’s strategy with rapid, incremental updates for the Dev and Beta Channels is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it allows for quick iteration and responsiveness to user feedback; on the other, users may find themselves navigating a few bumps (like the two-hop update experience or the Windows Update recovery error). Nonetheless, this approach is a clear invitation for early adopters to actively shape the future of the OS—a rare chance to influence the evolution of a core platform.
Concluding Thoughts
Build 26120.3576 demonstrates Microsoft’s continual push toward a more intelligent, intuitive, and user-friendly Windows 11 environment. Whether it’s through the transformative improvements in Voice Access or the strategic bug fixes that streamline everyday tasks, this update represents a significant milestone for Windows 11 version 24H2 insiders.For those eager to test out these changes, it’s recommended to activate the toggle for Voice Access improvements and experiment with natural language commands. And while some known bugs might cause temporary hiccups, the overall direction is clearly towards a more adaptive and accessible platform.
Have you had a chance to explore build 26120.3576? With enhancements that touch both the innovative and the everyday, it’s an update that promises to make life on Windows a bit smoother. Share your experiences and let’s discuss the future of Windows together—after all, in a rapidly evolving digital landscape, every tweak and fix is a step toward the next big breakthrough in user experience.
Source: Neowin Windows 11 build 26120.3576 is out with Voice Access, Recall improvements, and more
