Latest Windows 11 Build 22635.5160 Introduces Enhanced Narrator and New Copilot Features

Microsoft has launched a new update for Windows 11 insiders within the Beta Channel, bringing Build 22635.5160 (KB5053654) to users. This build incorporates several enhancements that were introduced in the previous week, including key improvements to the Narrator feature and exciting new functionalities for Copilot. Below, we delve into the details of these changes.

Upcoming Features Gradually Rolling Out in the Beta Channel

Revamped Narrator with Speech Recap

In an ongoing effort to enhance user experience, Microsoft has introduced a new speech recap feature within Narrator. This functionality allows users to keep track of previously spoken content, ensuring quick reference with ease. By utilizing speech recap, you can reaccess spoken information, witness live transcription, and copy text from what Narrator has conveyed—all through simple keyboard commands. This feature offers a history of recent spoken content, eliminating the need to repeat tasks just to catch up on previous Narrator outputs.

Activate the speech recap window using Narrator key + Alt + X to view the last 500 items spoken by Narrator. The content in this window refreshes with each new Narrator session. You can use standard navigation commands to read and copy desired text from within the speech recap window. To quickly save or share any text just spoken by Narrator, you can use Narrator key + Control + X to copy it to your clipboard.

Practical uses for the speech recap feature and its shortcuts include accessing hints heard during window openings, capturing error codes, or compiling Narrator outputs for training resources.

The live transcription feature of Narrator is immensely beneficial for assistive technology trainers, as well as teachers working with visually impaired students who require support during class. To view live transcription of Narrator outputs, simply access the speech recap window with Narrator key + Alt + X, and position it where you can easily see the updates occurring as you work with Narrator.

Learning the associated keyboard shortcuts for Narrator is straightforward:

Control + Windows key + Enter = Toggle Narrator On/Off

Narrator key + X = Repeat last spoken content

Narrator key + Control + X = Copy last spoken phrase

Narrator key + Alt + X = Open speech recap window for history and transcription

Enhancements Rolling Out with the New Build

Copilot Features on Windows

Launching Copilot on Windows is now possible with the shortcut Win + C. You can customize this shortcut and experience through Settings > Personalization > Text input.

To engage the press-to-talk feature, hold the Copilot key for two seconds. For devices without this key, use Win + C instead. Conclude conversations with the Esc key, or let it automatically time out after periods of inactivity. Furthermore, users can initiate communication with Copilot using Alt + Spacebar.

Developers can also implement similar press-to-talk triggers in their applications supporting the Copilot key. Note that the enterprise version of the Microsoft 365 Copilot app does not currently include this feature.

The gradual rollout of these Copilot enhancements means some insiders may not receive updates immediately, but Microsoft is eager to improve this experience for all users.

Windows Share Updates

The Windows share interface will soon feature enhanced image editing options. Users can now crop, rotate, apply filters, and compress images directly during the sharing process, designed specifically for local images. Supported formats include:.jpg, .jpeg, .dib, .png, .tif, .tiff, and.bmp.

Settings Enhancements

The Settings application now features a FAQs section located under Settings > System > About page. This section aims to provide quick answers regarding system configuration, performance, and compatibility, simplifying the experience of navigating Windows 11 for users.

Bug Fixes Rolled Out in This Build

Start Menu Fixes

Resolved delays in app icons displaying in grid and category views following app installations.

Desktop Icon Enhancements

Updated the visualization logic for desktop-pinned apps, eliminating accented backplates for packaged apps. As a result, icons are now larger and easier to view. Users may need to create new shortcuts to see the changes take effect.

Below, we provide a summary of known issues affecting this build:

Start Menu Known Issues

Insiders using the new grid and category views on the All page may notice a brief flash of the “Start settings” context menu prior to the app’s context menu appearing upon right-clicking.

Widgets Known Issues

[NEW] Users within the European Economic Area (EEA) might experience temporary unavailability of the weather widget on the new Lock screen widgets interface.

Narrator Known Issues

[NEW] Users encountering crashes upon launching Narrator should restart their PC to restore functionality.

For more detailed information about this update, please refer to the official announcement post here.

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