Windows 11 Update: Copilot+ PCs, Recall Feature, and Enhanced Voice Typing on the Horizon
Microsoft is pushing forward with new updates for Windows 11, bringing a host of features to enhance the user experience. The latest KB5055627 preview update and Insider Preview Build 26120.3941 are packed with improvements, especially for the upcoming Copilot+ PCs. Let's dive into what these updates have to offer.
KB5055627: A Sneak Peek into the Future
The KB5055627 update introduces several new features, many of which are tailored for Copilot+ PCs. This update, part of Microsoft's optional non-security preview, aims to provide users with a taste of the enhancements planned for the May Patch Tuesday release. It's important to note that this update does not include security updates.
To install, simply navigate to Settings > Windows Update and click 'Check for Updates'. You'll need to manually initiate the download and install unless you have the "Get the latest updates as soon as they're available" option enabled. Alternatively, the update can be manually downloaded from the Microsoft Update Catalog.
Spotlight on Copilot+ PC Features
One of the most intriguing features is Recall (preview), which promises a revolutionary way to search for content on your PC. It saves snapshots of your activity, allowing you to quickly find and revisit any app, website, image, or document by simply describing it. Privacy is a key consideration here, with users needing to opt-in and authenticate with Windows Hello for access. This feature is expected to gradually roll out, starting in early 2025.
Another noteworthy addition is Click to Do (preview) designed to streamline tasks directly from the screen. For instance, selecting an image allows you to erase objects using the Photos app or remove the background with Paint. On Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, Click to Do includes intelligent text actions, powered by the on-device Small Language Model (SLM), Phi Silica.
Improved Windows Search is also on the cards, powered by semantic indexing models. This will allow finding documents, photos, and settings across Windows 11 more effectively, even without an internet connection. For Copilot+ PCs, locating photos stored in the cloud gets simpler, via using your own words in the search box at the upper-right corner of File Explorer.
Beta Channel Build 26120.3941: What's New?
The Beta Channel is also seeing significant updates. A key highlight is a new profanity filter setting for voice typing. Users can now choose to either filter out profanity (replacing it with asterisks) or have it typed out as is. This setting can be adjusted within the voice typing settings menu accessed by pressing (Win + H).
Surface Pen owners will appreciate the ability to configure the pen button to trigger the Click to Do feature, enhancing productivity and ease of access.
Improvements to Accessibility flyout in quick settings will help you find the right accessibility feature based on your needs. Fixed issues include apps appearing blank after installing the latest flights, images getting stuck in your temp folder, and Windows Hello facial recognition not working.
Addressing Long-Standing Issues
The KB5055627 update also brings immediate fixes to some pressing issues. One notable fix addresses a blue screen exception with error code 0x18B, resolving issues encountered after installing the April 2025 Windows security update. Additionally, the update resolves an issue affecting internet connectivity after resuming from sleep mode, and addresses problems with content pages not displaying JPEG images correctly.
What's Next?
These updates mark another step in Microsoft's ongoing effort to refine and enhance Windows 11. With a focus on AI-powered features and user convenience, the future of Windows 11 on Copilot+ PCs looks promising
What are your thoughts on the new Recall feature and the enhanced voice typing settings? Share your opinions in the comments below!
