New Features in Windows 11 Build 26120.3291 (KB5052080) for Dev and Beta Channels

Microsoft has officially begun the rollout of Windows 11 build 26120.3291 (with the update identifier KB5052080) across the Dev and Beta Channels of the Windows Insider Program. This fresh update brings a variety of new features and enhancements, contributing to the ongoing development of version 24H2.

As detailed in Microsoft’s announcement, the KB5052080 update significantly revamps the Windows Search experience directly from the Taskbar, now enhanced with AI capabilities to search for images stored in the cloud.

This version also continues the deprecation of the Microsoft Support Diagnostic Tool (MSDT).Consequently, some troubleshooters previously accessible via the Control Panel have been directed to the Troubleshoot page within the Settings app.

Furthermore, build 26120.3291 encompasses various fixes for Live Captions, real-time translations, File Explorer, Remote Desktop, and other components.

Exploring Windows 11 Build 26120.3291 (Dev and Beta)

Here’s a concise overview of the updates presented in the latest preview of Windows 11 within the Dev and Beta Channels.

Windows 11 build 26120.3291: NEW Taskbar Search AI, Recall changes, HDR settings ✅ KB5052080 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsKaC58-DrA)

Enhanced Windows Search with AI Functionality

The KB5052080 update significantly updates the Windows Search interface in the Taskbar. Users can now receive search results for images stored in their OneDrive accounts, powered by an innovative Semantic Indexing feature that leverages on-device AI to interpret natural language for image searches.

Taskbar search with AI / Image: Microsoft

This AI-driven search capability can return results for queries that match specific cloud file content. Notably, users with school or work accounts will have a modified experience where cloud images remain undisplayed. Availability is currently limited to Copilot+ PCs equipped with Snapdragon X Series processors, with updates for Intel and AMD systems projected for the future.

Improvements to Windows Recall

Notably, users utilizing the “Click to Do” feature in Recall will now encounter an option to summarize text in bullet points, heightening organization and clarity.

Click To Do Bullet Points option / Image: @PhantomOfEarth

New HDR Settings for Improved Video Quality

The latest changes in the Settings application also introduce the option to “Allow HDR video streaming even when HDR is off.” This feature has migrated from the Canary Channel to the Dev and Beta Channels.

While Microsoft has acknowledged this change, it remains partially operational and thus hasn’t been formally highlighted yet.

Additional Fixes and Improvements

This build brings essential bug fixes aimed at enhancing user experience across various components:

Live Captions & Real-Time Translation (for Copilot+ PCs): Resolved issues causing a crash on initial live captions launch, and addressed a crash during language switching with active audio or microphone.
File Explorer: Enhanced overall reliability with several bug fixes, corrected a problem causing empty address bars when opening the file manager from the command line, and resolved an issue with multiple file selections on the Home page.
Graphics: Fixed a bug that resulted in color profiles failing to load correctly post-sleep activation.
Remote Desktop: Corrected limitations that previously restricted Remote Desktop to TCP usage instead of utilizing UDP.

Microsoft has also flagged a few known concerns affecting Recall, Click to Do, and File Explorer functionalities.

Guide to Installation

If you’re keen on downloading and installing this latest Windows 11 build, you’ll first need to enroll your device in the Dev or Beta Channel via the “Windows Insider Program” settings located in the “Update & Security” section. Once enrolled, head to “Windows Update” settings and enable the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” option. Click on the “Check for Updates” button to initiate the download.

Microsoft has also stated that devices in both the Dev and Beta Channels are receiving previews from the version 24H2 development as optional installs. For Beta Channel users still on 23H2, the preview build 22635.4950 remains accessible.

Additional Insights

1. What new features are introduced in Windows 11 build 26120.3291?

Windows 11 build 26120.3291 introduces AI-enhanced search results for images from cloud storage, improvements to Live Captions, new functionality within Recall for text summarization, and updated HDR settings for improved video quality.

2. How does the AI feature in Windows Search work?

The AI feature enables natural language searches for images stored in OneDrive using the Semantic Indexing technology, allowing for more intuitive searches that can return relevant results based on your queries.

3. How can I install the Windows 11 build 26120.3291 update?

To install the update, you must enroll your device in the Dev or Beta Channel of the Windows Insider Program, adjust the “Windows Update” settings to enable receiving the latest updates, and click “Check for Updates” once the option is activated.

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