Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3073: AI-Powered Features & Fixes

Microsoft has just released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3073 (KB5050090), bringing a whole new spectrum of features, fixes, and enhancements for users in the Dev and Beta Channels. The announcement brims with updates aimed particularly at devices leveraging Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, alongside general improvements targeted for all Windows Insiders.
Here’s our deep dive into what this exciting preview build has to offer, including some context and potential implications.

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1. The Headline Feature: Enhanced Windows Search with Cloud Capabilities​

So, what’s the buzz about? The major highlight of this release is the expansion of Windows Search to incorporate photos saved in the cloud using semantic indexing technologies. This means that searching for files has taken a leap from manual and keyword-limited systems to a smarter, AI-powered experience.

What’s New?​

• Integrated Cloud Search: You can search for photos stored in OneDrive (with your Microsoft account) by simply describing their content. Think commands like "find photos of summer picnics" or "search for European castles," and Windows Search will deliver results from both your local storage and the cloud.
• Semantic Indexing: In layman's terms, your system doesn't just match keywords anymore—it understands the meaning of your query. This is transformative for those dealing with a large volume of files, particularly media.
• Who Benefits?
• Users on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs will experience this feature first, capitalizing on the device’s 40+ TOPS Neural Processing Units (NPUs) (more on this later).
• Support for Intel and AMD-powered Copilot+ PCs is on the horizon.

Core Technologies in Play​

• Semantic vs. Lexical Indexing: Traditional lexical indexing is limited to finding matching text within filenames or descriptions. Semantic indexing, however, dives deeper by understanding the context or theme of a file. For example, even if a photo is named "IMG00231.jpg," semantic indexing could identify its content (e.g., “a beach photo from July”).
• AI Task Boosters: Powered by Copilot+ PCs' NPUs, these advanced AI-driven searches reduce the lag and inefficiencies of traditional indexing tools.

Pro Tip for Beta Users: If you’re currently signed into OneDrive with a work or school account (formerly Azure AD, now Entra ID), search improvements are limited to text-based file matches—for now.

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2. Channel Switching Made Easy (But Not Forever)​

Now, here’s some insider housekeeping. For a limited time, Dev Channel users can freely shift to the Beta Channel since both are aligned on the Windows 24H2 feature baseline. But as we tilt towards February, the Dev Channel will leap ahead in versions with a disclaimer that stability may take a hit.

Should You Switch Channels?​

• Stay in Dev: If you’re tech-savvy, love bleeding-edge features, and don’t mind occasional instability. (And let's face it, the buzz of exclusivity is thrilling.)
• Switch to Beta: If stability and closer-to-final features are more important to you right now.

Remember, once the Dev Channel progresses to higher build numbers post-February, the flexibility to switch to Beta without a clean reset will vanish.

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3. The Evolution of Windows: Copilot+ PCs​

Let’s pause and talk about Copilot+ PCs, as this build seems to be catered particularly for these hardware platforms.

• What Are Copilot+ PCs?
• Devices equipped with dedicated AI processors or Neural Processing Units (NPUs) with performance ratings exceeding 40 TOPS (trillion operations per second).
• Why Do You Care?
• Enhanced local AI processing for Windows features like improved search, photo recognition, and eventually, dynamic customization of tasks in apps like Paint and other creative Microsoft tools.
• Support Timeline:
• Right now: Snapdragons dominate the Copilot+ space.
• Coming soon: Intel and AMD bring variety to the table (so don’t throw your laptop out just yet).

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4. A Paint Update with AI: Yes, That Paint!​

Paint lovers assemble! The new Copilot menu in Paint introduces next-gen features that make image manipulation a cakewalk. Generative erase, background removal, and AI-assisted tools make their way to this "classroom nostalgia turned productivity booster." Tools onboard include:

• Image Generator & Cocreator: Start an image from scratch based on text cues or adjust an existing one using AI.
• Background Removal Tool: Think Photoshop, but simplified.

Note: Some features are exclusive to Copilot+ PCs.

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5. Additional Dev Channel Changes: Fixes Galore​

While the flashy features are undoubtedly alluring, Microsoft also brings a solid list of fixes and enhancements across the system. Here are the top highlights:

File Explorer Fixes​

• Cloud & Media Folders: Reduced freezing issues for folders heavy with media.
• Search Responsiveness: Better stability and fewer crashes when searching locally or in OneDrive.

Taskbar and System Tray​

• Bugged taskbar previews? Gone.
• System shutdown lag caused by controllers? Fixed.

Remote Desktop Improvements​

If you had rendering problems connecting to other devices, this one’s for you: Remote Desktop’s display stutter is now resolved.

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6. Known Issues—Because What's Windows Without These?​

Ah, it's not all roses. Here are some known hurdles to watch for:

• Improved Windows Search: Rarely unresponsive? Try rebooting.
• File Explorer: Closing can be sluggish for some insiders. This one’s actively under investigation.

And if you’re playing around with Settings > Home, be warned—it might randomly crash. But hey, that’s the adventurous life of an Insider.

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Broader Implications of Version 24H2​

So, what does all of this mean for us regular (or aspiring power) users?

• Emphasis on AI: Microsoft is placing Copilot and AI at the forefront, signaling where OS-level optimization is heading.
• OneDrive Integration Deepens: Love it or hate it, the tight integration with cloud computing through tools like OneDrive shows that Microsoft is diving deeper into a cloud-first strategy.
• Flexibility for IT & Developers: Managed commercial devices (e.g., enterprise PCs) get new personalization tweaks and cross-account insights, setting the stage for more cohesive systems in the workplace.

Conspiracy Moment: The shift from local-only computing to cloud-integrated AI solutions has some users worried about dependency. But just consider the tradeoff—AI-powered ease vs. privacy skepticism.

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Summary: Should You Dive In?​

If you’re already a Windows Insider, this build isn’t just an incremental step—it’s trying to push boundaries. Whether it’s smarter Windows Search, ultra-modern Paint features, or Copilot+ PC optimizations, Microsoft seems to be betting big on AI and cloud features integrated directly into the OS.
The burning question is: Are you ready for this world—or would you rather wait until AI-powered search gets a dark mode? Severe bug-reporting patience may be required.
TL;DR: Download this build if curiosity outweighs stability for you—skip if your PC is your lifeline and jellybeans are your favorite operating system feature emojis.
Which feature excites you the most? Let us know in the comments below—WindowsForum.com is where the action begins.

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Source: Microsoft - Windows Insiders Blog Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3073 (Dev and Beta Channels)