New AI Features Introduced in Windows 11 Builds 26200.5551 and 26120.3863 for Dev and Beta Channels

Microsoft continues to refine Windows 11 with the rollout of two significant updates: build 26200.5551 in the Dev Channel as part of update KB5055617, and build 26120.3863 in the Beta Channel as update KB5055613. These updates present a unified suite of features, enhancements, and fixes designed to elevate user experience.

Overview of Windows 11 Builds 26200.5551 and 26120.3863

As detailed in the official announcements for the Dev Channel and Beta Channel, both builds enhance the Windows Search and Windows Narrator functionalities tailored for Copilot+ PCs. Notably, these updates also introduce improved Widget capabilities for the desktop and Lock screen, along with various other fixes and enhancements.

Enhanced Search Capabilities with AI

This fresh release revolutionizes the Windows Search experience by incorporating Semantic Indexing into the Taskbar search box, enabling users to execute searches using everyday language. This means you can directly query settings—simply type in expressions like “change my theme, ” and the system will navigate you to the appropriate Themes settings page seamlessly.

AI-enhanced Windows search on Taskbar — AI-driven Taskbar search functionality / Image credit: Microsoft

AI-Optimized Narrator Functionality

In a valuable addition to the Windows Narrator, the AI capabilities associated with Copilot+ devices now allow for the generation of intricate image descriptions. Activating this feature using the “Narrator key + Ctrl + D” shortcut will yield contextual descriptions of the images on your screen, detailing elements such as people, objects, colors, and even text. Though initially exclusive to Snapdragon-powered devices, there are plans to extend this functionality to AMD and Intel processors in subsequent updates.

AI-enabled Narrator providing image descriptions — AI-powered image descriptions by Narrator / Image credit: Microsoft

Widgets Interface Enhancements

With this update, Microsoft enhances the Widgets interface, now permitting users to engage with full versions of articles, slideshows, and videos directly from the MSN feed. Additionally, customization options for the Weather widget on the Lock screen are being introduced, promising an even more personalized experience. More widgets will soon gain similar customization capabilities.

Widgets allowing full article reading — Widgets now enable reading full articles directly / Image credit: Microsoft

Additional Improvements and Fixes

These preview builds also feature several noteworthy fixes and enhancements, including:

Recall Features: Resolved a crash within the Settings menu when adding apps to the filter list under Privacy & Security > Recall & Snapshots.
File Explorer: Fixed crashes on File Explorer Home for some Insiders following updates and ensured visibility of “Organize” and “New Folder” options in dark mode on the “Save Dialog”.
Taskbar Issues: Rectified an anomaly where app icons on the taskbar became excessively large when disconnecting from external displays.
Desktop Icons: Adjusted pinned packaged apps to eliminate accent-colored backplates, resulting in more pronounced desktop icons.
Input Functionality: Addressed previous touchpad issues in prior builds.
Graphics Performance: Fixed visual artifacts regarding inverted pixels in “CopyPixels” and addressed issues with displaying previously viewable JPG images.

However, users are advised to remain cautious regarding known issues affecting recall and Windows Search functionality, along with performance concerns in Task Manager.

How to Install Windows 11 Insider Builds

If you wish to experience these latest Windows 11 features, follow these steps to enroll in the Beta and Dev Channels via the “Windows Insider Program” settings found under the “Update & Security” section. After enrollment, visit the “Windows Update” settings and click on the “Check for Updates” button. Remember to leave the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” toggle off to avoid unexpected updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What improvements come with Windows 11 builds 26200.5551 and 26120.3863?

These builds introduce enhanced features such as AI-driven Semantic Indexing in Windows Search, more detailed AI-generated image descriptions in Windows Narrator, and a revamped Widgets interface allowing for full article reading. Each enhancement aims to improve usability and accessibility for all users.

2. How can I enroll in the Windows Insider Program to receive these builds?

To enroll, navigate to “Update & Security” in your device settings, select “Windows Insider Program, ” and follow the prompts to join either the Beta or Dev Channels. Ensure you check for updates after enrollment to download the latest builds.

3. Are there any known issues with these updates?

Yes, there are several known issues that include performance hiccups with recall features, complications with Windows Search, and some interacting problems with Task Manager. Microsoft continues to investigate these issues and will provide updates as they are solved.

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