Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7523 (KB5072043) Based on version 25H2, for Dev and Beta channels. The update introduces several Co-Pilot-related additions to the taskbar, expands access controls in Narrator, makes changes to inputs and widgets, and offers a long list of improvements. The same build is available in both channels right now, which also opens a temporary window for Dev Channel users to switch to the beta without reinstalling.
The release follows Microsoft's current Insider strategy: features are split between those that roll out gradually to systems with the “Get the latest updates as they become available” toggle enabled, and changes that apply to everyone in the Dev and Beta channels. Most of the headline additions in this build fall into the gradual rollout category.
Ask Copilot comes to taskbar for business users
The most visible change is the rollout of ask copilot on taskbar For commercial customers with a Microsoft 365 Copilot license. Consumer Insiders saw an earlier version of the feature in October; This build brings a variant to suit the work environment.
Ask Copilot serves as a unified entry point Microsoft 365 CopilotCopilot agent, and search. From the taskbar, users can open CoPilot with a single click, interact using voice or text, and reference relevant work information tied to their Microsoft 365 environment. Agents can be invoked directly by typing “@” or using the tools button, and search results for apps, files, and settings use the same Windows API as standard Windows search.
The feature is opt-in. It can be enabled under Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Ask CopilotMicrosoft notes that Ask Copilot does not provide additional access to individual files beyond what Copilot already displays through Windows Search,
This rollout is first limited to commercial Windows Insider Program customers in the United States and will gradually expand in the coming weeks.
Agents get a taskbar appearance and a new launcher framework
Build 26220.7523 also expands how CoPilot agents are exposed in Windows. Agent actions, such as reports generated by the Researcher agent, can now appear directly on the taskbar. Progress indicators and hover status show real-time updates, and notifications are sent when tasks are completed. Microsoft is still experimenting with how these functions appear, either grouped with the CoPilot icon or as separate entries.
Under the hood, Microsoft is introducing agent launcherA new framework that lets Windows apps register system-wide AI agents. Once registered, these agents become discoverable in supported experiences, including Ask CoPilot and compatible apps on the taskbar. Upon launch, agents open their own chat experience and can maintain context, ask clarifying questions, and take action.
Microsoft 365 Copilot already uses this framework to expose agents such as analysts and researchers. Developers can register agents during installation or dynamically at runtime, based on authentication or subscription status.
Narrator receives detailed speech customization
This build sees a notable update to accessibility. Narrator now allows users to control which properties are spoken when navigating UI elements and in what order. Labels, roles, states, and values can be selected, rearranged, or omitted for each control type.
Available with customization Narrator Key + Ctrl + PWhere users can adjust declarations for buttons, checkboxes, sliders, and other controls. Changes apply to the current app. A preview option lets users hear how an announcement will sound before saving, and a reset option restores the default behavior.
On CoPilot+ PC, Narrator Customization also supports natural language input. Users can type instructions such as disabling status or selection declarations instead of manually toggling options.
Input, widgets and language extensions
Several small but practical changes come with this build:
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Voice typing with touch keyboard Removes your full-screen overlay. Dictation status animations now appear directly on the dictation keys, reducing visual distraction.
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New one Search Windows Widgets Provides brief tips about Windows features, shortcuts, and security reminders. It can be added to a widgets board or lock screen and updated throughout the day.
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setting agent Expands language support to German, Portuguese, Spanish, Korean, Japanese, Hindi, Italian, and Simplified Chinese, in addition to the existing English and French languages.
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Arabic keyboard layout Get AltGr support including access to the Saudi Riyal currency symbol.
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voice access Features a streamlined setup flow that simplifies model download, microphone selection, and feature discovery.
File Explorer updates and improvements
File Explorer receives both visual changes and performance improvements. For consumer Microsoft account users, people icons now appear in the Activity column on File Explorer Home and in areas like Recommended and Recent. Hovering or clicking on these icons opens a Windows People card with context for recent file interactions and quick actions like starting a chat or call. It brings a feature that was previously limited to work and school accounts to consumer cloud files.
On the fix side, Microsoft addressed white flashes during navigation, reduced duplicate file indexing to improve search performance, improved search reliability across multiple drives, and resolved an issue that prevented OneDrive files from opening in RemoteApp sessions. Voice access navigation in Gallery view has also been simplified.
Taskbar behavior, known issues, and Paint updates
Build adjusts taskbar behavior when apps are set to uncombined, preventing large window groups from being pushed into the overflow area in bulk. Microsoft has temporarily paused the rollout of a separate taskbar animation while it investigates reported issues.
Known issues persist. Some Insiders report Start not opening from Start menu click, system tray icons are not visible, and autohide taskbars are triggering too quickly and blocking app interactions. File Explorer context menu crashes and Bluetooth battery level display issues are also being investigated.
Outside the OS itself, a paint An update is being rolled out for the Canary and Dave channels. Version 11.2511.281.0 introduces a collapsible toolbar that can automatically hide and be recalled as needed.
What to do if you are testing this build
Insiders who want the latest features will first need to enable the “Get the latest updates as they become available” toggle in Windows Update. Dev Channel users should also soon decide whether to switch to the beta channel, while both channels share the same 25H2 build. Once the dev channel moves to a higher build number, that option will be turned off.
Features in this build are still under controlled rollout and may be changed, removed, or may never ship beyond the Insider Program.
