Microsoft's first Windows 11 preview build of 2026 brings more Copilot+ PC features to everyone — here's what's new
Microsoft's first new preview build of Windows 11 for 2026 is packing a handful of Copilot additions, along with a new mobile Resume feature and more.
Microsoft has rolled out its first Windows 11 preview build of the year, and this one brings with it another feature that was previously Copilot+ exclusive to all Windows 11 users. This feature is part of Narrator, and allows the Narrator app to lean on Copilot and describe an image that on your screen.
"Last year, we introduced rich image descriptions in Narrator on Copilot+ PCs—making it possible for blind and low-vision users to hear detailed, AI-generated descriptions of images, charts, and graphs." Microsoft says. "Narrator can now work with Copilot on all Windows 11 devices to further understand images and visual elements on your screen."
Unlike most of Microsoft's AI features in Windows 11, this one is genuinely useful and helpful for people with vision impairment. The use of AI to enhance accessibility features should always be appreciated, and in this case making it available to all Windows 11 users instead of just those with a Copilot+ PC is good to see.
"You can press Narrator key + Ctrl + D to describe the focused image or press Narrator key + Ctrl + S to describe the full screen. Copilot opens with the image ready, allowing you to enter your own prompt and generate a description tailored to what you want to know. Importantly, the image is only shared after you choose to describe it. You remain in control at every step. When you want more detail or follow-up insights, simply select Ask Copilot to continue exploring."
In addition to Copilot support in Narrator, Microsoft is also adding the ability for IT admins to uninstall the Copilot apps on managed devices. On Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and EDU editions, the new policy will uninstall Copilot if the following conditions are met:
- Microsoft 365 Copilot and Microsoft Copilot are both installed
- The Microsoft Copilot app was not installed by the user
- The Microsoft Copilot app was not launched in the last 28 days
In non-Copilot news, Microsoft is now testing an enhancement to the cross-device Resume feature that's in testing with Windows Insiders on Windows 11. Resume lets you pick up an activity from your phone directly on your PC via the Taskbar, and up until now it has relied solely on Phone Link integration.
"We’re excited to share an enhancement to the Cross Device Resume capability that we announced earlier. Until now, app developers could integrate with Resume using a solution based on the Link to Windows app," Microsoft explains. "We’ve now introduced an additional integration path leveraging the Windows Notification System (WNS). This additional option expands the scope of users to whom you can offer Resume capability, while delivering the same seamless experience on Windows."
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The new Windows 11 preview build is 26220.7535 (KB5072046,) and is available now via Windows Update for Insiders in the Dev or Beta Channel. Microsoft warns that very soon, the Dev Channel will be moving to a higher set of build numbers, which will remove the ability to switch between the Dev and Beta Channel. So if you want to remain on the current 25H2 release, you should switch to the Beta Channel today.
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