Windows 11 Insider Build 26120.3576: Revamped Voice Commands & Actions Menu

Windows 11 is stepping up its game in a surprising way. The latest Insider Preview Build 26120.3576—rolling out through both the Beta and Dev Channels—brings a host of exciting updates that promise a smoother, more intuitive user experience. At the forefront of these changes is a set of refined voice commands, now designed to understand natural language and bid adieu to the old, rigid syntax rules.

A Fresh Take on Voice Commands​

For years, voice access in Windows 11 meant learning a script. Forget “Can you open Edge application” because only the terse “Open Edge” would get the job done. Now, with the significant tweaks in build KB5053650, users—especially those on Snapdragon-powered, Copilot+ PCs—can relax their minds (and their syntax). Whether you casually say “Switch to Microsoft Edge” or politely ask, “Please open the Edge browser,” the system is now smart enough to pick up on your intent and execute the right action.

• Enhanced natural language understanding eliminates the need to memorize specific terms.
• Snapdragon-powered devices lead the charge, showcasing the potential of ARM-based hardware when paired with thoughtful software design.
• This update is a win for accessibility, ensuring smoother navigation and effortless control.

By allowing for more conversational commands, Microsoft is essentially transforming Windows from a rigid tool into a more adaptable digital assistant—a move that could have far-reaching implications for users who rely on voice access for practicality and convenience.

The New ‘Actions’ Menu: Intelligent and Localized​

But the update isn’t stopping at voice commands. A standout addition is the revamped ‘Actions’ menu found in the Settings application. This innovative feature lets users decide which apps can provide suggested actions across the operating system. Think of it as setting the rules for your own mini digital ecosystem.

• In apps such as Photos and Paint, intelligent text actions now come with capabilities like object removal and background editing.
• The moderation of these intelligent actions has shifted from a remote cloud endpoint to local controls, ensuring faster and safer responses.
• Users can enable or disable these suggestions via the new ‘Actions’ menu, customizing the “Click To Do” experience to their liking.

For those who’ve experienced missing actions on image entities, a quick update from the Microsoft Store for Photos and Paint may just be the trick to restore full functionality. This level of customization not only bolsters productivity but also infuses a bit more personality into the everyday use of Windows.

A Closer Look at the User Experience​

This update, while still an Insider Preview release (and thus not perfect), has managed to sidestep some of the more egregious issues of past builds—such as the controversial deletion of Copilot in earlier Windows 11 iterations. Instead, it focuses on refining and enhancing core functionalities that users have long requested.
Imagine no longer having to “think” in commands. Instead, you speak as you usually would, and Windows understands. It’s similar to the difference between following a strict recipe and improvising in the kitchen; the end result is still delicious, but the process is far more enjoyable and freeing.

• The shift toward natural speech recognition marks a significant upgrade that could set the tone for future iterations.
• Support for Snapdragon-powered PCs hints at a deeper integration of hardware-specific advancements, potentially pushing the envelope on what ARM devices can achieve in the Windows ecosystem.
• Even though some minor bugs may linger—as is customary with Insider builds—the overall direction is clear: enhancing ease of use without compromising on system performance.

Broader Implications for Windows and Beyond​

While this update may initially seem like a minor tweak in the grand narrative of Windows 11 improvements, its ripple effects are noteworthy. Enhanced voice command capabilities and intelligent user-assist features represent a broader trend toward a more inclusive, accessible, and efficient operating system. They are paving the way for:

• Increased adoption of voice navigation among everyday users and power users alike.
• More robust integration of artificial intelligence in system-level functions.
• A shift in how we interact with our PCs—moving from discrete commands to a more conversational, context-aware dialogue.

It’s an approach that mirrors trends seen in other major tech advancements, where user experience and accessibility drive innovation. As these improvements roll out, they also set the stage for future upgrades that might eventually bring these benefits to a wider range of devices, not just the Snapdragon-powered ones.

Final Thoughts​

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3576 isn’t just another update in the endless cycle of development; it’s a strategic move toward a more humanized computing experience. The evolution of voice commands—from strict, memorized phrases to a more natural, flexible dialogue—illustrates Microsoft’s commitment to making their operating system feel more like an intuitive digital assistant.
While this development currently targets a niche segment of Snapdragon-powered PCs, it raises important questions. Could this approach eventually become the norm across all Windows devices? And how will these changes impact accessibility and productivity in everyday use? Only time will tell.
For now, the improved voice command capabilities and the innovative ‘Actions’ menu stand as promising signs that Windows is listening—literally and figuratively—to what users need. With more natural interactions on the horizon, even the most technologically challenged among us might soon find our PCs responding as effortlessly as a trusted friend.
Stay tuned for more updates and expert analysis as these features continue to evolve, marking another significant chapter in the ever-changing landscape of Microsoft Windows.

---

Source: MSPoweruser Voice commands are finally intuitive in Windows 11, but only on Snapdragon-powered PCs