Windows 11 Build 26200.5603 Introduces AI Features for File Explorer in Dev Channel

Discover the Latest Features in Windows 11 Build 26200.5603

Microsoft has unveiled the exciting Windows 11 build 26200.5603 (KB5058488) in the Dev Channel, introducing a plethora of enhancements that escalate the user experience. This update paves the way for innovative AI actions within File Explorer and the new Advanced Settings—a direct replacement for the For Developers page. Let’s dive into the significant improvements to taskbar functionality, widgets, power management, and much more.

Key Features and Improvements in Build 26200.5603

This release brings a series of important updates that transform the Windows user experience:

AI Actions Revolutionize File Explorer

With the integration of AI into File Explorer, Microsoft introduces AI actions that streamline file interactions without the need to open them. Users can seamlessly apply various commands directly through a simple right-click. The available AI actions include:

Bing Visual Search: Efficiently identify objects and landmarks or find shopping options based on images.
Blur Background: Automatically blurs backgrounds in images with customizable intensity levels.
Erase Objects: Eliminate unwanted items from images using Generative Erase technology.
Remove Background: Effortlessly cut out subjects from images with a single click.

Currently, these actions are available for JPG, JPEG, and PNG formats. Future updates promise to support summarization for Microsoft 365 documents, allowing users to preview key insights without needing to open them.

AI actions in File Explorer — AI Actions in File Explorer / Image: Mauro Huculak

To manually enable these actions (if not visible), execute the following ViveTool command:

vivetool /enable /id:54792954, 55345819, 48433719

Revamped Advanced Settings Page

The Settings app receives an upgrade with the introduction of a new Advanced settings page, designed for better usability and accessibility. This page consolidates various settings and adds noteworthy features such as:

Enable Long Paths: Discard file path length limitations completely.
Virtual Workspaces: Effortlessly manage features like Hyper-V or Windows Sandbox.
Git Integration in File Explorer: Access version control data and branch status directly within Explorer.

Windows 11 Advanced Settings — Revamped Advanced Settings in Windows 11 / Image: Mauro Huculak

Improvements to the Taskbar

An array of visual enhancements has been made to the Taskbar, including new descriptions added to the Accessibility features, making them easier to identify. While moving the taskbar remains off the table, these improvements enhance functionality:

If you do not see these new descriptions, enable this feature with:

vivetool /enable /id:56887328

Taskbar Accessibility text descriptions — Accessibility Text Descriptions in the Taskbar / Image: Mauro Huculak

Updated Widgets Dashboard

The Widgets feature sees a shift in layout, offering a more structured feed. Users can now enjoy Copilot-curated stories that merge videos, summaries, and images, creating a cohesive content experience. Users can toggle the Copilot Discover (Preview) option to return to the previous layout if they prefer.

Enhanced Power Management Features

One of the standout new features is the User Interaction-Aware CPU Power Management. This enhancement optimizes battery life by adjusting power consumption automatically when the device is idle. Once you resume usage, your full performance capacity is restored without any hassle.

Windows Share Compression Settings

Sharing images through Windows now comes with adjustable compression settings—choose between High, Medium, or Low quality. If you don’t see these options, you can enable them using:

vivetool /enable /id:55390938

Windows Share compression option — Windows Share Compression Options / Image: Mauro Huculak

New Snipping Tool Shortcut

The Snipping Tool now features a quick-access shortcut: Windows + Shift + T, allowing users immediate access to the Text Extractor tool. If this feature is not yet available, it can be enabled with:

vivetool /enable /id:52467192, 53079680

Streamlined Default Apps Settings

Setting default applications is now more intuitive. New functionality allows setting more file types and link types as default, including a one-click option to designate your preferred browser for PDF files.

New Default app option — New Default App Settings / Image: Microsoft

Additional Fixes and Known Issues

In addition to feature enhancements, various fixes and smaller changes have been introduced in this build:

Voice Access: Temporary suspension of Chinese language support.
Windows Backup: Experimentation with new landing page designs.
General Fix: Issue preventing core Windows surfaces from loading in safe mode resolved.
Task Manager: Fixed CPU Utility column inaccuracies.

However, users should be aware of some known issues before installation:

PC Reset: Incorrect build version may surface post-reset.
Xbox Controller: Some PCs may experience crashes during Bluetooth use.
Windows Search: Initial indexing may be slow on Copilot+ devices.

How to Install Windows 11 Build 26200.5603

Ready to experience these new features? Begin by enrolling your device in the Dev Channel via the “Windows Insider Program” settings located in “Update & Security.” Once enrolled, access the latest updates by enabling the Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available option and clicking on the Check for Updates button.

For more information or additional resources, visit the official source.