Windows 11 introduces AI-enhanced Search features in the latest Dev Build
Microsoft has initiated the rollout of another significant preview build for Windows 11 insiders, following the recent release of three earlier builds. The latest version, Windows 11 build 26120.2992 (KB5050083), brings several exciting features, most notably an AI-driven Windows Search for Copilot+ PCs. This update enables users with compatible hardware to conduct searches for files and system settings through natural voice commands. Additionally, the Click to Do feature has received an enhancement that allows users to proofread text.
What’s New in the Latest Build
Enhanced Copilot+ PC Features
Revamped Windows Search
To simplify the process of locating documents, photos, and settings on Copilot+ PCs, Microsoft has introduced an advanced semantic indexing capability alongside the traditional indexing method. Users can now use conversational language to search for files, whether via the File Explorer, the taskbar search box, or within Settings. For instance, simply typing “bridge at sunset”can yield relevant images, while a query like “Europe trip budget”can help find pertinent documents. Moreover, users can adjust searches for settings like “change my theme”with ease. Thanks to the powerful 40+ TOPS Neural Processing Unit (NPU) integrated into Copilot+ systems, these search functionalities remain accessible even without an internet connection.
For the moment, the enhanced Windows Search is limited to files saved locally in indexed locations on the device. Users can modify which locations are indexed by navigating to Settings > Privacy & security > Searching Windows. Currently, this feature will extend to include searches for documents and photos stored in cloud platforms like OneDrive in future updates.
For the time being, settings-related searches will work only within the Settings app, with plans to enhance this feature to function directly from the taskbar’s search box in subsequent updates.
This improved Windows Search functionality will progressively be rolled out to Windows Insiders on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ devices, with support for AMD and Intel Copilot+ PCs expected soon. The feature will be available in several languages, including Chinese, English, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish, covering a variety of file formats such as. txt,. pdf,. docx,. jpg, and more. Learn more here.
New Click to Do Action: Refine
A fresh text action called Refine has been introduced to the Click to Do feature on Copilot+ PCs. To utilize this feature, press Win + Click on a specific text block or use Win + Q to navigate to text you wish to proofread and enhance. The new action will appear under Rewrite > Refine.
The other functionalities within Click to Do remain intact, so if you notice anything missing, be sure to check the Microsoft Store for any updates to the Photos and Paint applications.
Updates for Traditional PCs
The aforementioned enhancements are exclusively for users operating Copilot+ PCs. However, there are new updates available for those with traditional processors:
Gradual Rollout of Changes and Improvements to the Dev Channel
[File Explorer]
A New Folder option has been added to the context menu when right-clicking locations in the navigation pane.
[Magnifier]
A new keyboard shortcut CTRL + ALT + Minus allows Magnifier users to swiftly switch between the current zoom level and 1X zoom.
We’ve also included buttons in Magnifier for resetting the zoom to fit the screen and for returning to your last or preferred zoom level.
Bug Fixes Implemented
Gradual Fixes Across the Dev Channel
[File Explorer]
Resolves an issue where the date/time properties for files were mistakenly updated in certain situations after copying.
Addresses a problem where File Explorer occasionally loses focus on the search box during typing.
Corrects an issue where a search might unintentionally trigger repeated searches.
Tackles a discrepancy where the Details Pane icons didn’t respond accurately to theme changes, impacting visibility when switching between dark and light modes.
Fixes a black flash in File Explorer that occurred while duplicating a tab.
[Task Manager]
Rectifies an error where Task Manager incorrectly identified an HDD as an SSD.
[Click to Do]
Fixes an issue where Click to Do sometimes failed to highlight information on a display with no content in extended mode.
Changes and Improvements for All in the Dev Channel
[Windows Backup]
Users will now experience a standard Windows 11 taskbar after restoring from a backup during the Windows Setup experience (OOBE) on a new device, with the option to find and pin preferred applications from the Start menu and Search.
General Fixes for the Dev Channel
[Other Updates]
[Windows Kernel Vulnerable Driver Blocklist File (DriverSiPolicy.p7b)] Updates the list of drivers vulnerable to Bring Your Own Vulnerable Driver (BYOVD) attacks.
Known Issues
Current Known Bugs
[General]
Upon executing a PC reset via Settings > System > Recovery, there’s a potential for the build version to erroneously display as Build 26100 instead of Build 26120. This issue will not impede access to future Dev Channel updates that will resolve it.
[NEW] A 0xc0e90001 error may arise when booting into Windows Recovery (WinRE) on Arm64 PCs, which is slated for correction in the upcoming Dev Channel flight. For recovery options on your system, navigate to Settings > System > Recovery.
[Recall Feature]
Upcoming updates will address known issues with the Recall feature:
Recall can be enabled or disabled through “Turn Windows features on or off.” We are currently caching Recall binaries while we test the add/remove functionality. Future updates will eliminate these binaries.
Some users might encounter a message prompting them to “Make sure Recall is saving snapshots,” despite the Settings page indicating this is activated. Restarting the device may resolve this.
Ensure that Microsoft 365 applications are updated to the latest version for seamless access to specific documents.
[Click to Do]
Upcoming updates will address the following Head clicks to Do issues:
Occasionally, additional context is provided when utilizing intelligent text actions powered by Phi Silica.
The intelligent text actions harness Microsoft’s secure cloud capabilities to enhance text results by guaranteeing the safety and appropriateness of prompts and responses; this data is promptly deleted. Local moderation to ensure prompt and response safety will be implemented in future updates, replacing the current cloud endpoint.
[NEW] In case actions related to image entities are not visible, ensure the latest updates for the Photos and Paint apps are installed from the Microsoft Store.
[Live Captions & Real-Time Translation]
Future updates will fix known issues with live captions:
Some Insiders may experience a crash upon the first launch of live captions; restarting live captions after encountering this will prevent recurrence.
Switching languages while audio is playing or the microphone is activated can result in a crash. To resume captions or translations, stop the audio before switching languages.
[File Explorer]
[NEW] Opening a minimized File Explorer window may not render correctly when restored in this build.
[Improved Windows Search]
The following known issues will be resolved in future updates:
[NEW] The search box on the taskbar currently does not feature the same underline and sparkles icon UI as the File Explorer search box; this enhancement is forthcoming.
[NEW] In some rare instances, improved Windows search functionalities might be dormant, necessitating a reboot to reactivate.
[NEW] Rare cases may arise where File Explorer search becomes unresponsive, requiring a reboot to function again.
[NEW] Searching Outlook while offline might result in some unregistered query results in certain situations.
[NEW] The underline animation in the File Explorer search box may occasionally continue pulsing.
[NEW] Users will continually see the tip about new search improvements whenever they focus on the search box in File Explorer, rather than just once.
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