The highly anticipated preview of the Windows 11 May 2025 Update, designated build 26100.3902 (KB5055627), is now being rolled out through the Release Preview Channel. This update signifies a significant milestone with the full launch of the Windows Recall feature, which is now set to expand to Copilot+ PCs, even for users outside the Windows Insider Program.
In addition, Microsoft will be introducing the Click to Do feature and Semantic Indexing for Windows Search into the stable channel, both eagerly awaited enhancements for users.
This comprehensive update will also address a variety of areas including Widgets, File Explorer, Settings, Share functionality, the Start menu, the Taskbar, and more, enhancing user experience across the board.
It’s important to note that these features will be made available gradually to all compatible devices, meaning the rollout will take some time, and certain functionalities may vary based on geographic location.
Overview of Windows 11 Build 26100.3902 (KB5055627)
This quality update set to coincide with the next Patch Tuesday provides a wide array of enhancements and changes impacting Windows 11 24H2 users.
Innovative Windows Recall Feature
With this update, Windows 11 integrates the Windows Recall feature for Copilot+ PCs equipped with an NPU that delivers over 40 TOPS.
Windows Recall leverages AI technology to monitor your activities across various applications and allows you to search through your computer’s history using natural language queries.
According to Microsoft, this feature is anticipated to be broadly accessible by early 2025 in multiple markets, with a staggered rollout for the European Economic Area later this year.
Optimized for select languages including English, Simplified Chinese, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish, Recall AI enhances its usability for a diverse range of users.
New Click to Do Feature
The update will introduce the Click to Do feature, which will be available across all supported Copilot+ PCs.
Click to Do is designed to expand task capabilities from text elements captured in Recall snapshots, enabling users to copy text, launch selected applications, search the web, open hyperlinks, or send emails effortlessly.
This feature will function both inside and outside Windows Recall and can be activated via the Start menu, or using keyboard shortcuts such as “Windows key + mouse-click” or “Windows key + Q”, along with the Snipping Tool and print screen options.
Availability will vary based on device specifications and market, with a planned release in the European Economic Area later this year.
Enhanced Semantic Indexing
This update also marks the start of the rollout for Semantic Indexing on Copilot+ PCs.
Semantic Indexing revolutionizes how your computer indexes and searches files, utilizing AI, particularly Natural Language Processing (NLP), to comprehend and interpret user queries more intuitively. This enhancement allows users to search for files, settings, and other content using natural language phrases seamlessly.
This search functionality will be accessible through numerous frameworks, including the Start menu, Windows Search interface, Taskbar Search box, File Explorer, and the Settings application.
Moreover, AI search capabilities will extend to images stored in OneDrive as well as locally stored pictures, providing precise results from your cloud files based on your keywords.
While this feature complements traditional Windows Search, it does not replace it, enriching the overall search experience instead.
Windows Narrator with Speech Recap Updates
The release also enhances the Windows Narrator with a Speech Recap feature, which allows users to keep track of spoken content for rapid reference.
Upgraded Start Menu with Mobile Sidebar
The May 2025 update finally makes the mobile sidebar available, enabling users to make phone calls, send SMS messages, access photos, and share content interconnectedly between devices.
This new sidebar becomes available once the user’s mobile device is linked to their computer via the Phone Link and Link to Windows applications, enhancing cross-device functionality.
Developers Enabled Interactivity with Widgets
This update empowers web developers to create interactive widgets, expanding the functionality and user experience of Widgets on Windows 11.
Additions to File Explorer: Recommended Section
A new “Recommended” section will be introduced on the File Explorer’s home page, presenting users with direct access to their Microsoft 365 files.
In addition, the update ensures that any adjustments to the “Text size” setting through the Accessibility menu will be reflected across all File Explorer dialogs, enhancing accessibility.
Settings App Improvements
The “Apps” section within the Settings app receives a new “Actions on Copilot+ PCs” option, allowing users to manage which apps Windows can promote actions for.
Windows Share Interface Enhancements
Enhancements to the Windows Share interface will now allow users to edit images before sharing, including cropping, rotating, and applying filters.
Windows Studio Effects Updates
From this release onward, the Studio Effects feature will automatically apply its framing filter by default upon the first use of the camera on supported devices.
Minor Fixes and Changes
This update does not introduce substantial changes to the Taskbar but addresses minor issues related to app icons and navigational support.
In general, desktop app icons will not display an accent-colored backplate after this release, contributing to a cleaner desktop appearance.
The update also addresses various display, ExtFloodFill, graphics, and Hyper-V Manager issues.
Furthermore, in the normal update routine, “Windows Update”settings now estimate how long the device will be offline during installations.
Additionally, improvements are included to tackle internet connectivity issues encountered post-sleep.
This release also rectifies a problem that could lead to system failures, leading to a Blue Screen of Death during standard usage when user profiles are redirected to a network VHDx.
Lastly, a fix will remedy instances where certain content pages featuring JPEG images were failing to display correctly.
How to Install the Update
To download and install this particular Windows 11 build, you must enroll your device in the Release Preview Channel through the “Windows Insider Program” located within the “Updates & Security” settings. Once enrolled, you can navigate to “Windows Update” settings and click the “Check for Updates” button; however, avoid activating the “Get the latest updates as soon as they are available” option.
This update is anticipated to be released in the Stable Channel as an optional installation with minor modifications and a different KB and build number prior to it officially becoming available as the May 2025 security update on May 13, 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Windows Recall feature in Windows 11?
The Windows Recall feature utilizes AI to track your activities across different applications, enabling you to search your history with natural language, making your workflow more efficient.
2. How does Click to Do enhance productivity?
Click to Do allows users to perform various actions directly from text elements captured in Recall snapshots, such as copying text or conducting web searches, streamlining tasks and reducing time spent on multiple steps.
3. What improvements does Semantic Indexing bring to Windows Search?
Semantic Indexing improves search capabilities by leveraging AI and Natural Language Processing, allowing Windows 11 to better understand and interpret search queries, leading to more relevant search results across different platforms like File Explorer and Settings.
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