January 9, 2026 — Microsoft has begun rolling out Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7535 (KB5072046) to both the Dev and Beta Channels, kicking off the first major update of the year for Windows Insiders. This build focuses on expanding Copilot capabilities, improving accessibility with AI, and giving IT admins more control — with a few quality-of-life improvements and fixes as well.
🚀 AI-Powered Accessibility With Copilot in Narrator
One of the biggest highlights of Build 26220.7535 is the expansion of Copilot-powered image descriptions in the Narrator accessibility tool. Previously limited to Copilot+ PCs, this smart feature now works across all Windows 11 devices in the Insider program.
How it works:
Press Narrator key + Ctrl + D to generate a description of the selected image.
Press Narrator key + Ctrl + S to describe the entire screen.
Copilot then provides contextual descriptions and lets you ask follow-up questions for deeper insights — all while keeping control over when images are shared.
This makes Windows 11 even more helpful for users with low vision or blindness by bringing rich AI descriptions directly into the OS.
⚠️ Note: This feature isn’t available in the European Economic Area (EEA) yet.
🛠️ Admins Get Copilot Removal Controls
Responding to feedback from enterprise and power users, Microsoft has introduced a policy that lets IT administrators uninstall the Microsoft Copilot app on managed devices.
With the new RemoveMicrosoftCopilotApp policy, admins can remove Copilot when:
Microsoft 365 Copilot and Microsoft Copilot are installed.
The Microsoft Copilot app wasn’t installed by the end user.
It hasn’t been launched by the user in the last 28 days.
This gives organizations tighter control over AI components on corporate machines while still letting users reinstall Copilot if needed.
📱 Cross Device Resume Gets a Boost
Developers get a new integration option for Cross Device Resume, allowing apps to leverage the Windows Notification System (WNS) to sync activities from Android phones to Windows PCs — an enhancement beyond the existing Phone Link setup.
This means broader support and potentially smoother experiences for cross-device workflows.
💡 Other Notable Changes
✔ The Windows Spotlight icon has been refreshed to better match Windows 11 design language.
✔ Various fixes and improvements across Start menu, File Explorer, Bluetooth, and Settings are being rolled out gradually.
📍 How to Get the Update
If you’re part of the Windows Insider Program on the Dev or Beta Channel, you can download Build 26220.7535 via Settings → Windows Update. It may take time to reach every device due to staged roll-outs.
🧠 Insider Tip: Switch Channels
Dev and Beta channels are aligned for this build, but once Dev moves to a higher set of builds, switching between Dev and Beta will close. If you plan to stay on the 25H2 release track, it’s recommended to move to the Beta Channel soon while the window is open.
Conclusion:
Build 26220.7535 signals Microsoft’s continued push toward smarter AI integration in Windows 11 — making powerful features like Copilot accessible to more users, while giving organizations better control. Whether you’re focused on accessibility or enterprise management, this release sets the tone for what’s coming in 2026.
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