Windows 11 Insider Preview Build KB5052080 Rolls Out with AI-Powered Cloud Photo Search and Recall Upgrades

Microsoft has unveiled its latest Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3291, packed with cutting-edge AI-driven features for Copilot+ PC users and critical fixes aimed at refining the Recall preview experience. Here’s what you need to know:

🔍 AI-Enhanced Cloud Photo Search Debuts

Headline Feature: Windows Insiders on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs can now search cloud-stored photos directly from the taskbar using natural language queries.

• How It Works: Type phrases like “dog on the beach” or “birthday party 2024” into the Windows search bar. Results will combine local files and OneDrive cloud photos (for personal Microsoft accounts).
• Limitations: Work/school accounts (Entra ID) will only surface text matches in cloud files, not images. Third-party cloud support (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox) is slated for future updates.
• Availability: Rolling out gradually to Snapdragon Copilot+ PCs, with AMD/Intel support “coming soon.”

Why It Matters: This feature marks Microsoft’s push to integrate AI-powered semantic search deeper into Windows, blurring the line between local and cloud storage.

🔄 Recall (Preview) Overhaul: Snapshots Reset

Microsoft has deleted all prior Recall snapshots to improve the controversial AI memory feature.

• New Rules: Recall will now save snapshots only if users manually enable the feature in Settings.
• Known Issues: Some users report inability to enable auto-snapshots (fix in progress). Rebooting may resolve false “snapshots paused” alerts.

The Bigger Picture: This reset signals Microsoft’s responsiveness to feedback on Recall’s privacy concerns, prioritizing user control.

🛠️ Key Fixes & Tweaks

• Live Captions: Crashes during first launch or language switches fixed.
• File Explorer: Reliability boosts, path display fixes, and multi-select restored in the Recommended section.
• Remote Desktop: Now supports UDP connections for faster performance.

🎬 Snipping Tool Gets Trim Functionality

A new Trim feature allows users to edit screen recordings by cutting start/end times. Available now for Canary and Dev Channel Insiders.

⚠️ Critical Reminders for Insiders

• Channel Switch Deadline: Dev Channel users must switch to Beta soon to stay on 24H2-based builds. Afterward, Dev will leap to higher builds, locking the transition.
• Beta Channel Users: Updates are optional now but will become mandatory later in 2025.

🚨 Known Issues

• Recall: Some users cannot enable auto-snapshots (fix pending).
• File Explorer: Slow closure via the X button for some Insiders.
• Localization: Partial translations for new features; Microsoft urges feedback.

🗣️ Microsoft’s Statement

“We’re committed to evolving Windows Search and Recall with Insiders’ input,” said Brandon LeBlanc, Senior Program Manager. “These updates lay groundwork for smarter, more intuitive AI experiences across devices.”

📡 How to Access

Insiders in the Dev/Beta Channels can download the build via Windows Update. Features remain experimental and may never see public release.

Stay tuned for further updates as Microsoft refines its AI-driven Windows vision. 🚀

Feedback? Submit via Feedback Hub under Desktop Environment > Search or Apps > Snipping Tool.