Microsoft has unveiled Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5600 for the Dev Channel, introducing a suite of enhancements aimed at refining user experience and system functionality. This release underscores Microsoft's commitment to integrating advanced AI capabilities and improving system performance across various hardware platforms.
A notable addition in this build is the enhancement of the "Click to Do" feature, now incorporating intelligent text actions for AMD and Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs. Users can select text using the WIN key combined with a mouse click or WIN + Q, enabling options to summarize, create bulleted lists, or rewrite text to achieve a more casual, formal, or polished tone. This functionality leverages Phi Silica, an on-device Small Language Model (SLM) integrated into Windows, ensuring that processing occurs locally for enhanced privacy and responsiveness.
Additionally, Windows Search now supports finding photos stored in the cloud. By describing the content, like "European castles" or "summer picnics," users can retrieve relevant images from both local storage and cloud services, provided they are signed into their personal OneDrive accounts. This feature enhances the integration between local and cloud-based content, streamlining the search experience.
Source: Microsoft - Windows Insiders Blog Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5600 (Dev Channel)
Intelligent Text Actions in Click to Do
A notable addition in this build is the enhancement of the "Click to Do" feature, now incorporating intelligent text actions for AMD and Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs. Users can select text using the WIN key combined with a mouse click or WIN + Q, enabling options to summarize, create bulleted lists, or rewrite text to achieve a more casual, formal, or polished tone. This functionality leverages Phi Silica, an on-device Small Language Model (SLM) integrated into Windows, ensuring that processing occurs locally for enhanced privacy and responsiveness.Improved Windows Search Capabilities
The build introduces semantic indexing to Windows Search on AMD and Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs, facilitating more intuitive searches for documents, photos, and settings. Users can now employ natural language queries, such as "bridge at sunset" or "change my theme," to locate files and settings without recalling exact names or locations. This advancement is powered by the 40+ TOPS NPU present in Copilot+ PCs, enabling efficient on-device processing even without internet connectivity.Additionally, Windows Search now supports finding photos stored in the cloud. By describing the content, like "European castles" or "summer picnics," users can retrieve relevant images from both local storage and cloud services, provided they are signed into their personal OneDrive accounts. This feature enhances the integration between local and cloud-based content, streamlining the search experience.
Speech Recap in Narrator
To bolster accessibility, Microsoft has introduced the "speech recap" feature in Narrator. This tool allows users to access the last 500 strings spoken by Narrator, facilitating quick reference and live transcription. Users can open the speech recap window using the Narrator key + Alt + X, enabling them to review and copy recent Narrator output efficiently.Streamlined Unexpected Restart UI
The build previews a redesigned user interface for unexpected restarts, aligning with Windows 11's design principles. The updated UI simplifies the experience while preserving essential technical information, aiming to expedite users' return to productivity following system interruptions.Copilot Enhancements
Copilot on Windows receives several updates in this build:- Keyboard Shortcut: Users can now launch Copilot using Win + C.
- Press to Talk: Initiating a conversation with Copilot is possible by pressing and holding the Copilot key or Win + C for two seconds. This feature allows for voice interactions, providing instant responses without disrupting workflow.
- Developer Support: Developers can integrate the press to talk functionality into their applications by handling Microsoft Copilot hardware key state changes.
Click to Do (Preview) Updates
The "Click to Do" feature, currently in preview for Windows Insiders on Windows 11 version 24H2 in the Dev and Beta Channels on Copilot+ PCs, has been updated to include:- Start Menu Integration: Users can access Click to Do directly from the Start menu and have the option to pin it to Start or the taskbar.
- Multilingual Support: Intelligent text actions now support Spanish and French, in addition to English, broadening accessibility.
- Bulleted List Creation: A new text action allows users to create bulleted lists, enhancing document formatting capabilities.
- Enterprise Management: IT administrators can manage Click to Do in commercial environments, with policies available to customize its deployment and usage.
Windows Share Enhancements
The Windows share window has been improved to provide visual previews when sharing links or web content, offering users a clearer understanding of the shared material. Additionally, users can now edit and enhance images directly within the share window, including cropping, rotating, applying filters, and compressing images to reduce file size. These capabilities are currently available for local images stored on the PC.Security and User Experience Improvements
To enhance security and user experience, Microsoft has removed the bypassnro.cmd script from the build. This change ensures that all users complete setup with internet connectivity and a Microsoft Account, aligning with modern security practices and providing a more streamlined setup process.Fixes and Known Issues
The build addresses several issues:- Taskbar: Resolved an issue where taskbar icons did not increase in size appropriately when using the PC in tablet posture.
- File Explorer: Improved performance when extracting zipped files, particularly large numbers of small files, and fixed crashes related to moving or renaming certain files.
- Settings: Fixed crashes occurring when navigating to System > Power & Battery and corrected alignment issues in the navigation pane.
- General: After performing a PC reset under Settings > System > Recovery, the build version may incorrectly display as Build 26100 instead of Build 26200.
- Recall: Some users may experience issues where Recall is unable to automatically save snapshots, and the setting cannot be enabled in Settings.
- Click to Do: Intelligent text actions may provide additional context unexpectedly when using features powered by Phi Silica.
Conclusion
Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5600 introduces significant enhancements across various facets of the operating system, from AI-driven text actions and improved search capabilities to accessibility features and security improvements. While some issues remain, Microsoft's proactive approach to integrating user feedback and rolling out incremental updates reflects a commitment to refining the Windows 11 experience. Insiders are encouraged to explore these new features and contribute feedback to aid in the ongoing development process.Source: Microsoft - Windows Insiders Blog Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5600 (Dev Channel)
