Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3291 Brings Enhanced Search and Recall Updates

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3291 for the Dev and Beta Channels, introducing key enhancements for Copilot+ PCs. The improved Windows Search now lets users find cloud-stored files and photos directly from the taskbar search box. Recall (Preview) has been updated, deleting previous snapshots, and users must re-enable snapshot saving. Beta Channel users can now upgrade to Windows 11 version 24H2, which will become a recommended update later. Dev Channel users can still switch to Beta while both channels share the same build number.

This build brings fixes for File Explorer, Live Captions, Remote Desktop, and Power & Battery, improving system reliability. A new Snipping Tool update introduces a trim feature for screen recordings. Known issues include slow File Explorer closing and problems with Recall snapshot saving. AI-powered text actions are improving, with local moderation planned for Click to Do. As always, features are gradually rolled out and may change before public release.

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3291 Brings Enhanced Search and Recall Updates

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3291 (KB5052080) to the Dev and Beta Channels. This update brings improvements specifically for Copilot+ PCs, including enhanced Windows Search capabilities and refinements to the Recall (Preview) feature. With these updates, users on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs can experience better search functionality, allowing them to locate cloud-stored files more efficiently using natural language queries. Additionally, Recall (Preview) has been adjusted to ensure a more streamlined experience, with previous snapshots being deleted and new ones being saved only if the setting is enabled. Microsoft continues refining these features based on Insider feedback to enhance usability and performance.

Key Updates for Copilot+ PCs:

1. Enhanced Windows Search: Users with Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs can now search for files stored in the cloud directly from the Windows search box on the taskbar. This includes searching for photos by description (e.g., “European castles” or “summer picnics”) and finding exact text matches within cloud files.
2. Recall (Preview) Improvements: Due to an update, previous Recall snapshots have been deleted. Moving forward, new snapshots will be saved only if the setting is enabled.

Updates for Windows Insiders:

• Windows 11 Version 24H2 in Beta Channel: Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel now have the option to upgrade to the latest 24H2-based updates, which will become a recommended update later in the year.
• Channel Switching Reminder: Dev Channel users can switch to the Beta Channel while both channels share the same build number. This option will close once the Dev Channel moves to higher build numbers.

Additional Enhancements:

• File Explorer Fixes: Addressed reliability issues, resolved address bar display problems when launching from the command line, and enabled multi-file selection in the Recommended section.
• Live Captions & Real-Time Translation Fixes: Fixed crashes when launching live captions and switching languages.
• Remote Desktop Fixes: Resolved an issue where Remote Desktop only used TCP instead of UDP.
• Power & Battery Fixes: Improved color profile loading after sleep.

Snipping Tool Update:

The Snipping Tool now includes a trim feature for screen recordings, allowing users to adjust the start and end times of their recordings.

Known Issues:

• Recall (Preview): Some users may experience issues with saving snapshots. A fix is in development.
• File Explorer: Closing File Explorer may be slow for some users, and a fix is in progress.
• Improved Windows Search: Initial indexing requires the device to be plugged in.
• Click to Do & AI-Powered Text Actions: Some users may receive additional context in responses, and moderation improvements are planned.

Insider Program Notes:

• Features are gradually rolled out and may change before public release.
• Some experiences might not be fully localized at launch.
• Accessibility features may not work seamlessly with Recall and Click to Do in preview mode.
• Beta Channel users might see some features before Dev Channel users in certain cases.