Windows 11 Beta Unleashes Copilot+ AI Assistant, Redesigned Settings, & Enhanced Recall for Insiders
Microsoft has unveiled a new preview build of Windows 11, version 26120.5722, for participants in the Windows Insider Beta Channel. This update, aimed at users running version 24H2, delivers a suite of enhancements, fixes, and experimental features—some of which are exclusively available to those who have manually opted in to receive early feature rollouts.
Among the most notable additions is the introduction of an intelligent assistant within the Settings section for Copilot+ PCs powered by AMD and Intel processors. This assistant helps users swiftly locate system settings and perform actions through natural language queries. For instance, typing “how to control the PC with my voice” or “the cursor is too small” prompts the system to offer relevant solutions. Operating on a local AI model, the assistant can also autonomously execute tasks with the user’s consent. At present, this functionality is only supported when the system interface language is set to English.
Microsoft is also experimenting with a redesigned welcome screen presented during the initial system setup. This interface simplifies the configuration process by offering curated setting recommendations and reducing the need to navigate multiple pages. Another experimental feature is the introduction of an interactive tutorial for the Click to Do function. Upon first use, this guide demonstrates how to leverage AI to process text and images—such as summarizing content or removing backgrounds from pictures.
The update further refines image search within the taskbar, now presenting results in a grid layout to facilitate more intuitive visual selection. The Notification Center is now accessible not only on the primary display but also on secondary monitors, allowing users to open the calendar or large clock on any screen. In Task Manager, the CPU load calculation method has been updated to better align with industry standards and match external monitoring tools. Users may also enable the legacy display method through a new column labeled “CPU Utility.”
Numerous fixes have been applied across the user interface, security modules, input methods, File Explorer, and the Start Menu. Issues such as invisible icons in the taskbar, widget display glitches on the lock screen, Xbox app launch errors under administrator protection, and input bugs in select languages have been resolved. Performance has also been improved when resuming from sleep mode, and rare crashes on ARM devices during app installations have been addressed.
Known issues in this build include installation failures marked by error code 0x80070005, instability in the Live Captions feature when translation is enabled, and connectivity failures when pairing Xbox controllers via Bluetooth. For the latter, users are advised to uninstall the XboxGameControllerDriver through Device Manager.
This update continues Microsoft’s strategic push toward enhancing the user experience with local AI-driven assistance. However, many features remain experimental and limited to a subset of users, as the company collects feedback and monitors system behavior before a broader release.
