Windows 11 Insider Program Update: New Features Unveiled

The latest Windows 11 build, numbered 26220.7051, is currently being released to testers within the Insider Program. This update brings several enhancements, including the introduction of Ask Copilot on the taskbar.

Previously, accessing Copilot on Windows 11 required using the app or browser. However, the new taskbar feature ‘Ask Copilot’ now allows users to interact with the AI directly from the taskbar.

It is anticipated that this new Copilot taskbar search experience will eventually replace the existing Windows Search UI.

Ask Copilot will initially remain an optional feature that users can opt into. This feature allows users to search the internet, local files, and AI using text and voice.

“You’re always in control. As you type, results appear and update instantly, making it easier than ever to find what you need,” Microsoft explained in a blog post.

Microsoft envisions Copilot becoming a natural way to interact with PCs in the future.

To enable the feature, navigate to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Ask Copilot.

New Xbox Experience Available to All

Users with handheld devices can now access the new full-screen experience (FSE), previously exclusive to ASUS ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X devices. This enhancement aims to enhance gaming performance by allowing users to focus solely on gaming.

To enable FSE, go to Settings > Gaming > Full screen experience and select Xbox as your home app.

Once activated, users can access FSE from Task View and Game Bar or configure their handheld devices to enter full-screen experience mode upon startup.

Shared Audio Support for Bluetooth

Microsoft is introducing “shared audio,” utilizing Bluetooth LE Audio broadcast technology. This feature allows Windows to transmit audio to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously.

Users can activate the new “Shared audio (preview)” shortcut in quick settings to begin sharing audio.

Additionally, this update improves performance on ARM PCs by enabling support for more 64-bit x86 (x64) applications to run under emulation, resulting in better overall performance.

These features will be available to all users in the upcoming weeks. To try them out immediately, consider joining the Beta or Dev Channel of the Windows Insider Program.