Hey Windows enthusiasts, it’s another exciting day for the Dev Channel. Microsoft just rolled out Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.2415 (KB5046723) this week, and it comes with two groundbreaking features: Recall (Preview) and Click to Do (Preview). These aren't just your everyday tweaks—they're set to make waves, especially for those rocking Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs. Let’s unpack everything you need to know about these updates and how they’ll shape your Windows 11 experience.
For those who love being on the cutting edge, now’s your time to dive into the Windows Insider Dev Channel. Don’t forget to share your experiences—bugs and feedback alike—via the Feedback Hub (Win + F). The details you provide will help fine-tune these tools as they gear up for broader release.
So, what do you think about Recall and Click to Do—is this the AI assistant you’ve been waiting for? Jump into the comments on WindowsForum.com and let’s discuss!
Source: Microsoft - Windows Insiders Blog Previewing Recall with Click to Do on Copilot+ PCs with Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel
Rewind and Redefine with Recall (Preview)
Imagine this: you've been working on a report, juggling browser tabs, editing images, and switching between apps like a multitasking ninja. But now, you’re trying to find that one document or webpage you closed an hour ago. Sounds frustrating, right? That’s where Recall steps in as your productivity savior.What is Recall?
Think of Recall like a digital breadcrumb trail. It's an AI-driven feature that allows you to easily search for and return to things you've recently interacted with on your PC. Want to find that “pie chart” you were staring at yesterday? With Recall, you can describe what you're looking for and instantly leap back to it, no memory mastery required.Key Capabilities:
- Content Descriptions: Search not just for text, but also by describing the content you’re looking for (e.g., “image with pie chart”).
- Timeline View: Browse through a visual timeline of your past activities to quickly locate something from a specific time.
- AI-Enhanced Search Results: Recall leverages AI to show both textual and visual matches for better accuracy. If the results miss the mark, you can provide feedback for improvement.
What Makes It Secure?
Now, I know what you're thinking: "Wait—does Microsoft have access to my private PC content?" The good news is a resounding no. All snapshots are stored locally on your PC and encrypted. Not even Microsoft can access them without your Windows Hello authentication (fingerprint, facial recognition, or PIN). Plus, sensitive information like passwords and credit card details are automatically filtered out.Recap of Top Privacy Features:
- Local Storage: Snapshots never leave your PC.
- Encryption by Default: Everything is locked and can only be accessed by you.
- Manual Deletion: You can remove individual snapshots or even configure which apps and websites to exclude.
Getting Started with Recall
Before you can embark on this AI search adventure, you’ll need to complete some basic setup.- Join the Windows Insider Dev Channel. Register via Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program. Make sure Secure Boot and BitLocker are enabled, and enroll in Windows Hello for security.
- Enable Snapshots: Once Recall is installed (check your Start menu), opt-in to saving snapshots during the first-run experience. Don't worry, this step is optional, but without it, Recall won’t store your activity.
Who Can Use Recall?
For now, Recall is limited to Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, but don’t fret—support for AMD and Intel-based PCs is on the way. It’s also currently available in select languages (English, Chinese, German, French, Japanese, and Spanish), with more regional support rolling out soon.Click to Do: Make Actions Smart and Snappy
Enter Click to Do, Recall’s sidekick and your personal productivity booster. Designed to streamline workflows, Click to Do adds context-sensitive, AI-powered actions right inside your snapshots. Let’s break down what it does.Text Actions
When you highlight text in Recall snapshots, Click to Do springs into action, offering quick options:- Copy to Clipboard: Effortlessly copy text and paste it elsewhere.
- Search the Web: Highlight text like "Washington Monument" and search directly for results online.
- Open Links and Emails: Click on URLs to open webpages or emails directly in your preferred apps.
Image Actions
It gets even better when dealing with images:- Edit on the Fly: Blur backgrounds, erase objects, or even remove image backgrounds with integrated app support like Paint or Photos.
- Visual Search: Use Bing’s visual search to dive deeper into image contents.
- Share & Save: Quickly save or share images for seamless integration into your work.
What Else is New in Build 26120?
In addition to rolling out Recall and Click to Do, Microsoft has been busy squashing bugs and upgrading features across the board. Here are some notable changes:- Narrator Improvements:
- Added "skip links" and "jump to lists" shortcuts for easier navigation in scan mode.
- Update your Narrator language files manually for enhanced accessibility.
- Windows Hello Makeover:
- A refreshed and more modern user experience is heading to the Dev Channel soon.
- Taskbar Fixes:
- Resolved Explorer.exe crashes when interacting with taskbar app icons.
- Fixed issues with desktop backgrounds not displaying properly on multi-monitor setups.
- File Explorer Tweaks:
- Prevented search bars from growing out of bounds (because aesthetics matter).
Known Issues (aka “The To-Do List” for Engineers)
While this Dev Channel update is promising, Microsoft acknowledges a few bugs still lurking in the shadows:- Snapshot Delays: Some users may experience a lag before their first snapshots appear. The fix? A quick system reboot should do the trick.
- Filtered Content Glitches: Websites displayed in split-screen tabs (e.g., Edge sidebars) might bypass filters. Updates are in progress.
- Warm-Up Phase: Enabling Recall or saving snapshots might require a Secure Boot toggle. Follow Microsoft's guide for setup.
The Big Picture: Why It Matters
Keep in mind, innovations like Recall and Click to Do are iterative. These features might still be in the oven, but what makes this update noteworthy is its ambition. Microsoft isn’t just throwing in minor updates but reimagining how Windows 11 users interact with their PCs. By integrating AI-assisted recall and contextual actions, your computer starts to feel more like an extension of your brain than just another tool.For those who love being on the cutting edge, now’s your time to dive into the Windows Insider Dev Channel. Don’t forget to share your experiences—bugs and feedback alike—via the Feedback Hub (Win + F). The details you provide will help fine-tune these tools as they gear up for broader release.
So, what do you think about Recall and Click to Do—is this the AI assistant you’ve been waiting for? Jump into the comments on WindowsForum.com and let’s discuss!
Source: Microsoft - Windows Insiders Blog Previewing Recall with Click to Do on Copilot+ PCs with Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel