Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7535 (KB5072046): What’s New in Dev and Beta for Version 25H2

Microsoft is now rolling out Windows 11 Insider Preview build 26220.7535 (KB5072046) to both the Dev and Beta Channels on version 25H2. This build continues Microsoft’s feature-flag rollout strategy, meaning what you see immediately depends on whether you’ve enabled “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” in Windows Update.

At the moment, Dev and Beta are aligned on the same build family. This creates a short window where Dev Channel users can switch down to Beta before Dev moves ahead again. Once Dev advances to a higher build number, switching will be locked until Microsoft reopens the path.

Below is a complete breakdown of what’s new, what’s fixed, and what still needs work.

Copilot-Powered Image Descriptions in Narrator

The headline feature in this build is a major accessibility upgrade: Narrator can now use Copilot to generate rich descriptions of images and on-screen content on all Windows 11 PCs — not just Copilot+ devices.

How it works

There are two new Narrator commands:

• Describe a focused image
  Press Narrator + Ctrl + D while an image is selected.
  Narrator sends the image to Copilot and opens a Copilot panel where you can request a description or ask follow-up questions.
• Describe the entire screen
  Press Narrator + Ctrl + S to capture and analyze everything currently on screen.

You can then ask about people, objects, labels, layouts, trends, or text in charts and graphics.

Privacy model

Nothing is captured or sent automatically. Images are only shared when you explicitly use the commands.

Copilot+ PC advantage

On Copilot+ PCs, Narrator still provides instant, fully local image descriptions using on-device AI. If those aren’t sufficient, users can select “Ask Copilot” to move into the cloud-based experience.

⚠️ Note: Copilot-powered Narrator descriptions are not available in the European Economic Area (EEA).

Policy-Based Uninstall of Microsoft Copilot for Managed Devices

This build introduces a new IT control for enterprises and schools: a Group Policy setting that conditionally removes the Microsoft Copilot app for individual users.

New policy: RemoveMicrosoftCopilotApp

Windows removes the Copilot app once per user if all of the following are true:

• Microsoft 365 Copilot and the standalone Copilot app are both installed
• The Copilot app was not installed by the user
• The user has not launched Copilot in the last 28 days

This does not block reinstallation later.

Policy path

User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows AI > Remove Microsoft Copilot App

Available on Enterprise, Pro, and EDU editions.

This gives organizations a cleanup mechanism without breaking workflows or user choice.

Cross Device Resume (XDR) Now Supports WNS

Microsoft is expanding Cross Device Resume, which lets users continue app sessions from their phone on their PC.

Previously, XDR relied mainly on Link to Windows. This build adds support for the Windows Notification System (WNS), allowing developers to trigger resume experiences through push notifications instead.

Both methods are supported, and developers can choose either or both.

Documentation is available in Microsoft Learn under Cross Device Resume integration.

Windows Spotlight Icon Refresh

The Windows Spotlight desktop icon is being refreshed with a new design. This is a cosmetic change only and does not alter functionality. It is rolling out gradually and may not appear immediately.

Fixes Rolling Out with This Build

With early updates enabled, users may see the following fixes:

Start Menu

• Fixed a layout issue where shutdown warnings could be clipped at the edge of Start.

File Explorer

• Fixed a crash when opening the desktop context menu.

Input

• Fixed a black flash when using pen input in Snipping Tool.

Printing

• Prevented duplicate print dialogs from opening.
• Fixed color inconsistency on the print dialog close button.
• Fixed truncated text on the Printers & Scanners settings page.

Windows Update

• Fixed a hang when opening the Windows Update settings page.

These fixes are staged and roll out gradually.

Known Issues in Build 26220.7535

Xbox Full Screen Experience (FSE)

Some desktop apps behave incorrectly in Xbox full screen mode. Switching back to standard desktop resolves the issue.

Taskbar, Start, and System Tray

• Start button may not respond to clicks (keyboard shortcuts still work)
• Some system tray icons may be missing
• Autohide taskbar may appear too early and obscure app content

Settings and Bluetooth

• Settings may crash when interacting with audio devices
• Bluetooth battery levels may not display for some devices

Microsoft 365 Copilot “Click to Do”

Image actions may fail if the Copilot app isn’t already running. Launching it manually is a workaround.

How the Dev and Beta Rollout Model Works

This build continues the enablement package model for Windows 11 25H2. Devices already on the 26220 branch receive updates that progressively activate new features rather than performing a full OS upgrade.

Two things control what you see:

1. Your Insider Channel (Dev or Beta)
2. The “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” toggle

Features appear first for users with the toggle enabled and roll out later to others.

Not every feature will ship to the final release.

Final Thoughts

Build 26220.7535 is a relatively focused update:

• A meaningful expansion of Copilot in accessibility
• A practical new Copilot control for IT admins
• A more flexible Cross Device Resume model for developers
• A small visual refresh
• Several quality-of-life fixes

The known issues around Start, taskbar, and Settings are worth noting, but overall this build is about stabilizing and extending the 25H2 foundation, not introducing disruptive changes.

For now, it’s a solid step forward — especially for accessibility, device continuity, and enterprise control — while Microsoft continues to refine the Windows 11 25H2 experience behind feature flags.