KB5050090: Enhancements in Windows 11 Search and Resolution of File Explorer Address Bar Bug

Microsoft has unveiled the latest Windows 11 build for Insiders on the Dev channel, specifically Build 26120.3073 under KB5050090. This update is also available as an optional release for Beta channel participants. Among the enhancements are a revamped search feature, fixes for a memory leak and a bug in the File Explorer address bar, along with confirmations of new issues.

Full Changelog

From today, we are rolling out the same Dev Channel updates based on Windows 11, version 24H2 to Insiders in the Beta Channel. These updates will be optional at first, allowing Beta Channel users to upgrade at their convenience.

Optional update offers for Windows 11, version 24H2 highlighted in red for Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel.

We will soon transition these updates to recommended status, which means automatic upgrades to 24H2-based versions for Beta Channel participants. Until that shift, Beta Channel users will receive updates for both Windows 11, version 24H2 and version 23H2, albeit not simultaneously. Be aware that opting for 24H2 updates may lead to some missed feature releases.

If you are currently in the Dev Channel, you have the option to switch to the Beta Channel during this period when both channels receive the same updates. However, this transition opportunity will end by the end of February, when the Dev Channel advances to higher build numbers. At that point, stability could diminish compared to the current state, prompting users to carefully consider their channel preferences.

Exciting New Features in Windows Copilot+

Enhanced Photo Searching Capability

Recently, we began introducing an enhanced Windows Search feature to Windows Insiders using Copilot+ PCs. This first preview integrated semantic indexing alongside traditional lexical indexing, greatly improving the ability to find locally stored files on devices equipped with over 40 TOPS NPU.

We are thrilled to announce that the enhanced Windows Search now also supports locating photos stored in the cloud. Users can simply describe the content in their search query, such as “European castles” or “summer picnics, ” in the search bar within File Explorer. Cloud-stored images will now appear alongside locally stored files in search results, alongside exact text matches within cloud-hosted files.

Search results displaying mountain bike photos, including one stored in the cloud, via File Explorer.

Currently, this feature works when searching directly in File Explorer. Future updates will enable this functionality from the Windows search box in the taskbar. For now, ensure you’re signed into OneDrive with a personal Microsoft account connected to the internet to test this functionality. Those using work or school accounts will see text matches but not photos. Additionally, third-party cloud services will soon provide support for this experience, with detailed guidelines forthcoming.

We are optimistic about this new cloud content discovery feature and will continue refining the search functionality in upcoming updates. Note that these Windows Search enhancements are being progressively rolled out to Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, and similar support for AMD and Intel devices is on the horizon.Learn more about this here.

Additional Changes & Improvements in This Update

The latest update (Build 26120.3073) introduces several other enhancements, alongside those unique to Copilot+ PCs. Here is an overview:

New features, improvements, and fixes gradually available to Insiders who have enabled the toggle for the latest updates (Settings > Windows Update*).
Features that are rolling out to all users in the Dev Channel.

Features and Improvements Gradually Rolling Out*

[Settings]

A rollout of the Settings homepage is beginning for business users on IT-administered PCs. This will feature relevant cards, such as “Recommended settings” and “Bluetooth devices, ” along with new enterprise-specific information and accessibility preferences cards. Users who employ a Microsoft account on their managed PCs will also see a new accounts card indicating the presence of both work and school accounts. This rollout is starting gradually, with commercial PCs as the first beneficiaries.

Fixes Gradually Rolling Out*

[Taskbar & System Tray]

Resolved an issue preventing taskbar preview windows from displaying correctly when users hovered over open applications.

[File Explorer]

Addressed an issue causing File Explorer to hang when navigating folders containing numerous media files.
Fixed a rendering issue that arose when minimizing and restoring an opened File Explorer window.

[Enhanced Windows Search]

Fixed a rare issue where results were not found while searching Outlook offline.

[Live Captions]

Resolved a bug where live captions displayed in the taskbar but the window did not appear on the screen after disconnecting a secondary monitor.

[Remote Desktop]

Corrected significant display/rendering issues encountered when connecting to certain computers via Remote Desktop.

[Settings]

Fixed a crash that occurred while accessing the Bluetooth & Devices page in Settings.

[Miscellaneous]

Fixed color errors when using GDI+ to shrink images.
Fixed slow shutdowns on devices with controllers connected.
Resolved an unresponsive issue with the Windows Security pop-up when joining certain Wi-Fi networks.
Fixed a display issue for descriptions of virtual NICs in ncpa.cpl, where garbled characters appeared.

General Fixes for All Dev Channel Users

[General]

Addressed a 0xc0e90001 boot error when entering Windows Recovery on Arm64 devices.

[Various Fixes]

[Memory Leak]: Resolved leaks that occurred with predictive input suggestions.
[HDR]: Fixed oversaturation in certain games when employing Auto HDR.
[Remote Desktop Gateway]: Fixed sign-on errors occurring when connecting to Windows 11 workstations while enforcing device redirection.
[USB Audio Devices]: Fixed the “This device cannot start” code 10 error when connecting certain external audio devices.

Known Issues

[General]

Post-reset, some users may see an incorrect build version listed as Build 26100 rather than Build 26120. Future updates will rectify this issue.
[NEW] We are currently investigating a DCOM CPU usage issue affecting some Insiders when accessing the Performance section in Task Manager.

Future Updates

The following known issues are on track to be resolved:

Recall function can be managed through “Turn Windows features on or off.” Cached binaries on disk will be removed in upcoming updates.
Users might get a prompt stating, “Make sure Recall is saving snapshots, ” despite a Settings page indicating that it is. Restarting the device can resolve this.
Ensure Microsoft 365 apps are updated for optimal document access.

Paint Application Update

An update for Paint (version 11.2412.271.0 and higher) is now being rolled out to Windows Insiders within Canary and Dev Channels. This update introduces the Copilot menu in Paint, providing access to intelligent features that expedite image generation and editing tasks. Clicking the Copilot icon in the toolbar opens a drop-down menu with quick access to features like Cocreator, Image Creator, Generative Erase, and Remove Background. Note that Cocreator functionality is exclusive to Copilot+ PCs. Descriptions accompany each feature within the menu to assist users in selecting the appropriate tool.

For the official blog post from Microsoft, please visit here.

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