Microsoft Launches New Windows 11 Builds for Insiders
Today, Microsoft has unveiled the latest builds for the Windows 11 Beta and Dev channels aimed at users participating in the Insider programs. The updates include builds 26220.5770 for Dev and 26120.5770 for Beta, identified respectively under KB5064093 and KB5064089. A standout feature in this update is the introduction of a new Microsoft 365 text action within the Click to Do feature, significantly simplifying the process of creating tables in Excel. Microsoft has indicated that this is an early preview and cautioned that table detection may occasionally malfunction, but improvements are expected in future releases.
Key Features Introduced
Among the enhancements and fixes noted, Microsoft has addressed known audio issues affecting both the Dev and Beta channel users. Detailed below are some of the primary features being rolled out, beginning with Copilot+ exclusive capabilities:
Enhanced Microsoft 365 Text Action in Click to Do
A new text action is being gradually introduced in Click to Do:
Table Conversion with Excel:
The Click to Do feature can now recognize tables, allowing users to efficiently manage frequently encountered information—be it from Teams meetings, photos of school calendars, or documents containing embedded tables. Users can easily highlight simple tables and send them directly to Excel or share them without needing to retype data.
To utilize this feature, simply spot a table within any application and use the Win + Click combination to activate Click to Do, or use Win + Q and select the table with a swipe. Once selected, choose Convert to table with Excel to execute the action seamlessly.
This feature remains in an early preview stage, with table detection expected to improve over time through subsequent updates. Currently, this functionality is available on Windows Insiders using Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, with support for AMD and Intel machines anticipated shortly. Users will require the latest Microsoft Excel application and a Microsoft 365 subscription to access this feature, although it is not yet available for Insiders in the European Economic Area (EEA).
Profile Cards in Microsoft 365
Instead of searching through Outlook or Teams, users can now view critical information directly via Live Persona Cards integrated within Click to Do. This action enables users to access contact details and past collaborations effortlessly. To view a profile card from an email, press Win + Click directly on the message, and if it’s linked to your organization, the profile will display immediately.
For this feature, users must be logged in with a work or school account (Entra ID) and have a Microsoft 365 subscription, with availability also restricted for users in the EEA.
New Narrator Features for Accessibility
Gradually rolling out to the Dev Channel is a significant new Narrator feature: the Braille viewer.
On-screen Braille Viewer:
This feature displays both textual and Braille representations of content from a refreshable Braille display, aimed at enhancing learning experiences for students and support for educators. Teachers who are visually sighted can effectively monitor student progress and assist in skill development using the Braille viewer.
To access the Braille viewer, users should launch Narrator using Win + Ctrl + Enter and then employ the Narrator key + Alt + B combination. The window that appears will update with continued usage of Narrator, reflecting the number of Braille cells according to the connected device. To utilize this feature, confirm that Narrator is set up for Braille output by accessing the settings under Settings > Accessibility > Narrator > Use a Braille display with Narrator.
Additional Changes and Improvements
In addition to the major features, a number of changes and improvements are also being implemented:
- [Windows Share]: Users can now discover apps installed on their PC or those available in the Microsoft Store from within the Windows share window by utilizing “Find Apps”.
- [Direct3D 12]: Updates have been made to ensure the Windows OS version of Direct3D 12 aligns with the latest Agility SDK 1.616.1.
Bug Fixes
Recent updates have also addressed several bugs across the platform:
- [Taskbar & System Tray]: Resolved issues affecting date and time display on secondary monitors and the appearance of duplicate app previews in the taskbar.
- [Windowing]: Fixed a crash issue linked to explorer.exe occurrences with ALT + Tab usage.
- [Display]: Addressed glitches preventing HDR settings from being saved correctly.
- [Audio]: Mitigated issues causing delays or failures in audio playback after casting to TVs.
Known Issues
Despite enhancements, several known issues persist:
- [File Explorer]: The Shared section may erroneously appear empty for some users.
- [Settings]: Investigations are ongoing into reports of Temporary files scanning being unresponsive.
- [Audio]: New issues affecting audio functionality, with potential device driver errors indicated in Device Manager.
- [Xbox Controllers]: Connectivity problems may persist for certain users employing Xbox Controllers via Bluetooth.
For further information, you can visit the official blog post detailing the Dev and Beta build updates here (Dev) and here (Beta).
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