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Microsoft Unveils New Windows 11 Insider Preview Build Featuring Ask Copilot Shortcut and Shared Audio Support

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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.

Microsoft Fixes Windows 11 Bug That Disabled Mouse and Keyboard in Recovery Mode

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Microsoft Issues Fix for Windows 11 USB Bug in Recovery Mode

Microsoft has released a fix for a Windows 11 bug that prevented USB devices from working in the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). The issue surfaced after users installed the KB5066835 security update earlier this month, causing keyboards and mice to become unresponsive in recovery mode. To address the problem, Microsoft rolled out an out-of-band (OOB) update with improvements designed to restore full functionality. The new update is available in builds 26200.6901 and 26100.6901.

Problems Reported by Users

Following the KB5066835 update on October 14, many users reported issues on Reddit and Microsoft’s support forums, stating that USB peripherals like mice and keyboards no longer worked in WinRE. The bug posed a significant problem for those needing to troubleshoot or repair their PCs, effectively limiting access to critical recovery tools. Microsoft acknowledged the complaints and began working on a solution immediately.

Emergency Out-of-Band Update

To resolve the issue, Microsoft released the emergency KB5070773 update, which is cumulative and includes both the fixes for the USB bug and the security improvements from the original KB5066835 update. The update ensures that devices connected via USB are now fully recognized in WinRE, allowing users to access recovery tools without disruptions.

Workarounds for Affected Users

For users who still cannot boot into Windows due to the WinRE USB problem, Microsoft has recommended a few temporary workarounds. These include using alternate input methods, such as PS/2 peripherals if available, or performing offline updates via installation media. With the new OOB update, Microsoft has effectively restored normal functionality for affected Windows 11 users and reinforced the importance of timely patch deployment.

Microsoft enhances Windows 11 with new AI-powered Copilot upgrades

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Microsoft has unveiled a wave of artificial intelligence upgrades for Windows 11, aiming to make its Copilot assistant smarter, faster, and more integrated across users’ daily workflows. The update, announced on Thursday, introduces new capabilities that allow users to automate real-world tasks and connect seamlessly with apps and services.

A standout addition is the “Hey Copilot” voice activation feature, which lets users wake the AI assistant hands-free to perform commands or answer questions. The feature is opt-in and will be available across all Windows 11 PCs.

Microsoft is also expanding Copilot Vision — a tool that can analyze what’s on a user’s screen and provide context-aware assistance — to all markets where Copilot is offered. A new text-based version of Vision will also launch for Windows Insiders, enabling users to interact through typing instead of voice alone.

An experimental “Copilot Actions” mode will allow the assistant to take actions directly from the desktop, such as booking restaurant reservations or ordering groceries, with user-granted permissions. The company emphasized that Copilot agents will only access data explicitly approved by users.

In addition, Microsoft debuted “Gaming Copilot”, now built into Xbox Ally consoles, offering players real-time tips and gameplay support through AI integration.

“We’re on the cusp of the next evolution — where AI is not just in chatbots but naturally embedded into hundreds of millions of daily experiences,” said Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft’s chief marketing officer for consumer products.