Microsoft has launched Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7535, delivering significant updates to Copilot features and enhancing accessibility in the Dev and Beta Channels. Released on 2026-01-12, this build introduces improvements to Copilot's integration with Narrator, offering enhanced image descriptions for users.
New Accessibility Features
The update introduces image descriptions powered by Copilot within the Narrator tool, providing context-aware explanations for images both on-screen and individually focused. These detailed descriptions are generated on-device for Copilot+ PCs, while other systems require an explicit description request. Importantly, this feature excludes regions within the European Economic Area.
- Narrator has enhanced image descriptions using Copilot.
- On Copilot+ PCs, data is processed locally.
- The European Economic Area does not have access.
Administrative Controls
A new Group Policy named "Remove Microsoft Copilot App" has been added, allowing administrators greater control. This option enables the uninstallation of the Copilot app for specific users or devices under certain conditions. This policy can be applied across Enterprise, Pro, and Education editions, offering institutions more control over app management while still allowing manual reinstallation by users if needed.
- Group Policy option to remove Copilot is now available.
- Applicable to Enterprise, Pro, and Education editions.
- Copilot can be reinstalled manually by users.
Additional Fixes and Changes
Microsoft also made minor updates to the Windows Spotlight icon and addressed various bugs, including issues with the Start menu, File Explorer crashes, and inconsistencies during printing. However, several known issues remain, such as Start menu interaction challenges and system tray inconsistency.
- Updates to Windows Spotlight desktop icon.
- Fixes for Start menu and File Explorer issues.
- Known issues persist with Start menu and system tray.
Microsoft emphasizes that these updates, currently under controlled rollouts, may be adjusted or removed before full release.
