Windows 11 Introduces AI Assistant for Settings App and Additional Updates in KB5058496

Today, Microsoft is advancing Windows 11 Beta Insiders to version 24H2 with the release of build 26120.3964 (KB5058496).This update introduces significant enhancements such as an AI assistant integrated into the Settings app, innovative Click to Do features tailored for Intel and AMD-powered Copilot+ PCs, along with various other updates.

What’s New in Windows 11 Beta Build 26120.3964

Enhanced Copilot+ PC Features

AI Assistant Integrated into the Settings App

As part of this update, Microsoft has unveiled a new AI agent within the Settings app designed to alleviate common frustrations users experience while navigating their PCs. Instead of scrolling through settings, users can simply voice their concerns, such as “how to control my PC by voice” or “my mouse pointer is too small.” The AI agent comprehends user intents and, if authorized, can automate tasks to resolve issues. Initially available for Windows Insiders using Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, support for Intel and AMD devices will be rolled out shortly. Note: This feature currently supports English as the primary display language.

Intelligent Text Actions in Click to Do

The Click to Do feature receives a boost with the introduction of intelligent text actions, available on AMD and Intel™ powered Copilot+ PCs. Users can now simply press WIN key + mouse-click or WIN + Q to highlight text blocks. A menu will appear with options to summarize the text, create bulleted lists, or refine it to sound more formal or casual.

Click to Do utilizes Phi Silica, an on-device Small Language Model (SLM), ensuring that results are generated inline. Users can easily copy any rewrites to their clipboard once satisfied. These intelligent text actions are available when users have English set as their default language, select at least ten words, and are signed in with a Microsoft or Microsoft Entra account.

Additional Features and Improvements

As enhancements are gradually deployed to the Dev Channel, the following updates will be introduced:

Click to Do (Preview): For users with French or Spanish as their primary language, the service will temporarily offer only summary and bulleted list options.

Dynamic Lighting: Devices that support Dynamic Lighting can now be safely disconnected via the taskbar’s “Safely Remove Hardware and Eject Media” icon.

Settings Update: A new FAQs section will be accessible on the Settings > System > About page, providing essential insights on common inquiries regarding system configuration, performance, and compatibility.

Bug Fixes Enhancing System Reliability

Fixes Rolled Out to the Beta Channel

Start Menu: Resolved multiple crashes affecting the reliability of the Start menu.

File Explorer: Fixed a deadlock that could cause the File Explorer Home to hang, along with tooltip issues related to recent documents.

Voice Access: Addressed crashes that occurred in Voice Access when using Spanish.

Taskbar: Fixed issues with keyboard focus and flickering media controls in taskbar preview windows.

Windows Spotlight: Resolved issues causing the Windows Spotlight flyout to remain visible above other app windows.

Live Captions: Cleared a crashing problem noted in the previous build.

General Improvements: Enhanced color selections in MMC and fixed issues causing certain apps to hang during printing.

Known Issues to Note

General Concerns

Users may see the build version displayed incorrectly after a PC reset, but this won’t hinder future updates.

Issues with core Windows surfaces not loading in Safe Mode are being investigated.

New build may affect the PC reset feature under Settings > System > Recovery.

Xbox Controllers: Some users report bug-checking issues when using Xbox Controllers via Bluetooth. To resolve, uninstall the specific driver through Device Manager.

Click to Do (Preview): The latest intelligent text actions are fully local to ensure safety and integrity, replacing previous cloud-based functions.

Necessary Updates: Ensure that all Microsoft 365 apps are updated to access specific documents seamlessly.

Task Manager: The new CPU Utility column may show System Idle Process as 0, and CPU performance graphs are still using prior calculation methods.

[NEW] Ongoing investigations into issues with richer image descriptions and flexible language support in the Narrator and Voice Access features.