Windows 11 Insider Build 26220.7523 Introduces Taskbar Ask Copilot, New Agent Launchers, and Enhanced Narrator Controls

Microsoft has rolled out Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7523 (KB5072043), targeting both the Dev and Beta Channels and based on the 25H2 version. This update enriches the user experience with various features linked to the Copilot, enhances accessibility in the Narrator, refines input methods and widgets, and includes an extensive list of fixes. Notably, this build is currently identical in both channels, allowing Dev Channel users the temporary option to transition to Beta without needing a reinstallation.

This release aligns with Microsoft’s Insider plan, which strategically separates feature rollouts. Some updates are gradually pushed to systems that have enabled the “get the latest updates as they are available” setting, while most changes are made available to all users within the Dev and Beta Channels. A majority of the noteworthy features introduced in this build fall under the gradual rollout category.

Introduction of Ask Copilot for Commercial Users

The most prominent update in this release is the introduction of Ask Copilot on the taskbar specifically for businesses using Microsoft 365 Copilot licenses. Earlier, consumer Insiders had access to a preliminary version of this feature back in October; now, it has been adapted for professional settings.

Ask Copilot serves as a centralized hub for accessing Microsoft 365 Copilot, along with Copilot agents and search functionalities. Users can launch Copilot instantly from the taskbar with a click, engaging via voice or text, and can pull contextual data relevant to their Microsoft 365 environment. Agents can be activated by simply typing “@” or by selecting the tools button, and the search functionalities utilize the same APIs as Windows Search for consistency in experience.

This feature is opt-in, and users can enable it via Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Ask Copilot. Importantly, Microsoft assures that Ask Copilot will not provide it access to personal files beyond what Windows Search typically permits.

The initial rollout is limited to commercial Windows Insider Program participants in the U. S., with plans for a gradual expansion in the coming weeks.

Enhanced Visibility of Agents and New Launcher Framework

In Build 26220.7523, Microsoft is enhancing the visibility of Copilot agents within Windows. For example, tasks associated with agents, such as reports created by the Researcher agent, can now be showcased directly on the taskbar. Users will see progress indicators and hover states that provide real-time updates, along with notifications once tasks are completed. Microsoft is still fine-tuning how these tasks will be displayed, whether grouped with the Copilot icon or as distinctive entries.

Additionally, a new framework called Agent Launchers is being introduced, enabling Windows applications to register AI agents system-wide. Once registered, these agents can be accessed through various experiences, including Ask Copilot on the taskbar and other compatible applications.

Microsoft 365 Copilot is already utilizing this framework to reveal agents like Analyst and Researcher. Agents can be registered either during installation or dynamically at runtime, determined by the user’s authentication or subscription status.

New Customizations for Narrator Accessibility

This update also significantly improves accessibility features, particularly with the Narrator tool. Users now have the ability to specify which properties are spoken when navigating UI elements and can dictate the order of these announcements. This customization option allows users to select, reorder, or exclude labels, roles, states, and values for various control types.

Users can access these settings by pressing Narrator key + Ctrl + P to tailor announcements for buttons, checkboxes, sliders, and more within the current application. Additionally, a preview option allows users to hear how an announcement will sound before finalizing their choices, and a reset function restores default settings.

On computers running Copilot+, Narrator customization also accommodates natural language input. This feature enables users to issue commands like turning off position or selection announcements instead of manually adjusting settings.

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