Microsoft Unveils New Windows 11 Insider Preview Build Featuring Ask Copilot Shortcut and Shared Audio Support
Microsoft has announced the release of a new Windows 11 Insider Preview Build, bringing several notable features and improvements to both the Dev and Beta Channels. Among the highlights is the introduction of Ask Copilot in the taskbar — a streamlined way for users to interact with Microsoft’s AI assistant directly through one-click access. This enhancement allows users to access Copilot Vision and Voice features more quickly, making it easier to perform tasks using natural language commands. Additionally, the company is rolling out a new Shared Audio feature that enables users to play audio simultaneously on two connected devices, expanding personalization and accessibility options across the system.
According to Microsoft’s official Windows Insider blog, the latest update arrives as Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7051 (KB5067115). While this release includes routine bug fixes and performance enhancements, the most exciting addition is undoubtedly the integration of Ask Copilot directly within the Windows taskbar. This AI-powered shortcut aims to improve productivity by allowing users to perform everyday tasks, find information, and even control settings through both text and voice inputs. It’s designed as an opt-in experience, meaning users can choose to enable it manually under Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Ask Copilot.
The new Shared Audio functionality, currently in testing, is another notable addition in this build. It allows a single audio stream to be played on two devices at once — for example, sharing music between two pairs of Bluetooth headphones or syncing playback across speakers. This feature could be especially useful for watching movies, gaming, or collaborative listening experiences. It represents part of Microsoft’s broader effort to enhance multimedia flexibility in Windows 11, aligning the platform more closely with the needs of creators and casual users alike.
In addition to these updates, the build extends Full-Screen Experience (FSE) support to a wider range of handheld gaming PCs, further optimizing Windows 11 for portable gaming devices. This improvement ensures smoother frame rates, better scaling, and a more immersive experience for gamers using compact form-factor PCs. With these updates, Microsoft continues to refine Windows 11 into a more intelligent, flexible, and adaptive platform — one that blends AI-powered assistance with thoughtful usability enhancements across devices and use cases.
