Windows 11 Build 26100.4188 Update: New Features & Enhancements for Productivity

Microsoft has recently released Windows 11 Build 26100.4188 (KB5058499) to Insiders in the Release Preview Channel, marking a significant update in the Windows 11, version 24H2 (Build 26100) series. This build introduces a suite of new features and improvements aimed at enhancing user experience, productivity, and system performance.

Gradual Rollout Features​

The following features are being introduced gradually and may not be immediately available to all users:

Click to Do Enhancements​

• Intelligent Text Actions: For users on AMD and Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs, the Click to Do feature now offers advanced text actions. By using the WIN key combined with a mouse click or WIN + Q, users can select text blocks and access options to summarize, create bulleted lists, or rewrite text to sound more casual, formal, or polished.
• Ask Copilot Integration: A new "Ask Copilot" action within Click to Do allows users to highlight text or images and send them directly to the Copilot app for further assistance.
• Pen and Inking Support: For devices equipped with pen and inking capabilities, users can configure the shortcut button to open Click to Do, streamlining the workflow for stylus users.

Windows Share Improvements​

• Image Editing Capabilities: The Windows share window now includes in-line image editing features, such as cropping, rotating, and applying filters. Additionally, users can compress images to reduce file size for easier sharing. This functionality supports local images in formats like .jpg, .jpeg, .dib, .png, .tif, .tiff, and .bmp.
• Visual Previews: When sharing links or web content, the share window provides a visual preview, offering a clearer context of the shared material.

Copilot on Windows Enhancements​

• Launch Shortcut: Users can now launch Copilot on Windows using the Win+C hotkey. This shortcut can be personalized under Settings > Personalization > Text input.
• Press to Talk Feature: Initiate a conversation with Copilot by pressing and holding the Copilot key (or Win + C for PCs without the Copilot key) for two seconds. To end the conversation, press the Esc key.

Windows Studio Effects​

• System Tray Icon: On devices with a neural processing unit (NPU), an icon appears in the system tray when an app utilizes Windows Studio Effects. Selecting this icon opens the Studio Effects page in Quick Settings, providing quick access to camera-related settings.

Normal Rollout Features​

The following features and improvements are being rolled out to all users:

File Explorer Enhancements​

• Performance Improvements: The performance of extracting zipped files has been improved, especially when unzipping a large number of small files.
• Shared Items Access: Users signed in with a Microsoft account or Microsoft Entra ID can now quickly access items shared with them, including files, emails, and Teams chats, via the Shared tab on the File Explorer Home page.

Taskbar and System Tray​

• Improved Previews: Taskbar previews have been enhanced with smoother animations and improved visuals, providing a more refined user experience.
• Jump List Sharing: Users can now share files directly from a jump list on the taskbar by right-clicking an app that has a jump list.

Narrator Enhancements​

• Speech Recap: A new Speech Recap feature allows users to quickly access spoken content, follow along with live transcription, and copy what Narrator last said, enhancing accessibility and usability.

Battery Status Indicators​

• Enhanced Icons: New battery icons provide clearer status indicators: green for charging, yellow for energy-saving mode (activated at 20% battery), and red for low battery, prompting users to plug in their device.

Critical Analysis​

This update reflects Microsoft's commitment to refining the Windows 11 experience by introducing features that enhance productivity, accessibility, and user engagement.
Strengths:

• Enhanced Productivity Tools: The integration of intelligent text actions and Copilot features within Click to Do streamlines workflows, particularly for users on Copilot+ PCs.
• Improved Accessibility: Features like Speech Recap in Narrator and enhanced battery status indicators cater to a broader range of user needs, promoting inclusivity.
• User Interface Refinements: Improvements in taskbar previews, File Explorer performance, and system tray functionalities contribute to a more seamless and responsive user experience.

Potential Risks:

• Gradual Rollout Challenges: The phased introduction of features may lead to inconsistencies in user experience, with some users accessing new functionalities before others.
• Hardware Limitations: Certain features, such as Windows Studio Effects and pen and inking support, are hardware-dependent, potentially excluding users without compatible devices.
• Learning Curve: The addition of new shortcuts and functionalities may require users to adapt, potentially leading to a temporary decrease in productivity as they familiarize themselves with the changes.

In conclusion, Windows 11 Build 26100.4188 introduces a range of thoughtful enhancements aimed at improving user experience and system performance. While the update brings significant benefits, users should be aware of the gradual rollout process and potential hardware requirements to fully leverage the new features.

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Source: Microsoft - Windows Insiders Blog Releasing Windows 11 Build 26100.4188 to the Release Preview Channel

 

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Microsoft has recently released Windows 11 Build 26100.4188 (KB5058499) to Insiders in the Release Preview Channel, marking a significant update in the Windows 11, version 24H2 (Build 26100) series. This build introduces a suite of enhancements aimed at improving user productivity, accessibility, and overall system performance.

Gradual Rollout Features​

Some features in this update are being introduced gradually and may not be immediately available to all users. These include:

Click to Do (Preview)​

• Intelligent Text Actions: On AMD and Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs, users can now utilize intelligent text actions within Click to Do. By pressing the Windows key combined with a mouse click or using the shortcut WIN + Q, users can select text blocks and access options to summarize, create bulleted lists, or rewrite text to sound more casual, formal, or polished.
• Ask Copilot Integration: A new "Ask Copilot" action has been added to Click to Do. Highlighting text or images now offers an option to send the selected content directly to the Copilot app, facilitating seamless interaction with Microsoft's AI assistant.
• Pen and Inking Support: For devices equipped with pen and inking capabilities, users can configure the shortcut button to open Click to Do, enhancing the ease of accessing this feature.

Normal Rollout Features​

The following features and improvements are being rolled out to all users:

Windows Search Enhancements​

• Semantic Search for Cloud Photos: Users can now search for photos stored in the cloud using descriptive phrases. For instance, typing "summer picnics" in the File Explorer search box will retrieve relevant images from both local storage and the cloud. This feature is currently available on AMD and Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs.

Narrator Improvements​

• Speech Recap: Narrator now includes a speech recap feature, allowing users to quickly access spoken content, follow along with live transcription, and copy the last spoken text using simple keyboard shortcuts.

Phone Link Integration​

• Enhanced Cross-Device Features: The Start menu now provides direct access to cross-device features, enabling users to make phone calls, send SMS messages, access photos, and share content between their mobile devices and PC more seamlessly.

Widgets​

• Interactive Widgets for Web Developers: Web developers can now create interactive widgets using existing content, which can be added to multiple widget surfaces, enhancing the customization and functionality of the Widgets feature.

File Explorer​

• Curated Views on Home Page: File Explorer's Home page now offers pivot-based curated views, providing easier access to Microsoft 365 content and improving productivity by presenting highly relevant content at users' fingertips.
• Performance Improvements: The performance of extracting zipped files has been improved, particularly when unzipping a large number of small files, resulting in a more efficient file management experience.

Settings​

• App Recommendation Management: Users can now manage which apps Windows recommends actions from under Settings > Apps > Actions on Copilot+ PCs, offering greater control over personalized app suggestions.

Windows Share​

• Image Editing Capabilities: The Windows Share window now includes options for last-minute edits such as cropping, rotating, and adding filters to images before sharing, streamlining the sharing process.

Windows Studio Effects​

• Automatic Framing Filter: For PCs supporting Windows Studio Effects, the automatic framing filter will be enabled when the camera is used for the first time, enhancing video conferencing and recording experiences.

Critical Analysis​

This update underscores Microsoft's commitment to enhancing user experience through intelligent features and performance improvements. The integration of AI-driven functionalities like semantic search and intelligent text actions reflects a forward-thinking approach to productivity tools.
However, the gradual rollout of certain features may lead to inconsistencies in user experience, as not all users will have immediate access to the latest enhancements. Additionally, the reliance on specific hardware capabilities, such as those found in Copilot+ PCs, may limit the availability of some features to a subset of users, potentially leading to disparities in functionality across different devices.
In conclusion, Windows 11 Build 26100.4188 brings a host of promising features aimed at improving productivity and user engagement. While the gradual rollout and hardware dependencies may pose challenges, the overall direction of these updates aligns with the evolving needs of modern users.

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Source: Microsoft - Windows Insiders Blog Releasing Windows 11 Build 26100.4188 to the Release Preview Channel