Full Report
Windows 11 Build 26220.7051 is now rolling out to testers in the Windows Insider Program, and there are at least three new features, including Ask Copilot in the taskbar. [...]
Analysis Summary
# Main Topic
Release of Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7051 to testers, focusing on the introduction of new features, specifically the integration of "Ask Copilot" directly into the taskbar.
## Key Points
- Windows 11 Build 26220.7051 is rolling out to the Windows Insider Program (Dev and Beta Channels).
- A major new feature is "Ask Copilot on the taskbar," allowing users to interact with the AI assistant via text and voice for web, local file, and AI searches.
- The new Copilot taskbar search experience is expected to potentially replace the existing Windows Search UI down the line.
- Ask Copilot is initially an opt-in feature accessible via `Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Ask Copilot`.
- Other updates include the rollout of a new full-screen experience (FSE) for the Xbox app to all users, and improved performance for ARM PCs due to enhanced 64-bit x86 (x64) application emulation support.
- Bluetooth shared audio support (preview) is being rolled out, allowing a single audio stream to be transmitted to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously.
## Threat Actors
- None mentioned. The context pertains to software feature rollouts, not active threats or malicious campaigns.
## TTPs
- None mentioned. The content focuses on new legitimate functionality.
## Affected Systems
- Windows 11 Insider Program testers (Beta and Dev Channels).
- General Windows 11 installations targeted for future wider release of these features.
- ARM-based PCs benefit from improved emulation performance.
## Mitigations
- Users wishing to test these features should join the Beta or Dev Channel of the Windows Insider Program.
- To enable Copilot in the taskbar: Navigate to `Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Ask Copilot`.
- To enable Shared Audio: Enable the “Shared audio (preview)” shortcut in quick settings.
- To enable FSE: Go to `Settings > Gaming > Full screen experience` and select Xbox as the home app, or configure handhelds to launch FSE on startup.
## Conclusion
The primary focus of this release is enhancing user interaction and improving performance rather than addressing immediate security threats. The integration of Copilot into the taskbar represents a significant shift in the Windows user interface paradigm. Testers should monitor the stability of the new AI integration and the functionality of shared audio. No known threat actors, TTPs, or IoCs were identified in relation to this software update announcement.