Windows 11 KB5065789 Preview Updates Narrator and Click to Do for 24H2 and 25H2
Microsoft has recently rolled out a significant preview update, KB5065789, for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2. This update introduces a suite of enhancements, with a particular focus on improving the functionality of Narrator, Windows’ built-in screen reader, and the “Click to Do” feature, which leverages AI for contextual actions. These updates are designed to streamline user interactions and boost productivity, integrating more seamlessly into the daily workflow of Windows users.
The preview update, available through the optional non-security update schedule, allows administrators and early adopters to test new features and fixes before their wider release. This iterative approach ensures that potential issues are identified and resolved, leading to a more stable and refined final product. The inclusion of these specific features signals Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to enhancing both accessibility and AI-driven productivity within the Windows ecosystem.
Narrator Enhancements and AI-Powered Image Descriptions
The Narrator screen reader has received substantial upgrades aimed at providing a more natural and efficient experience for visually impaired users. These improvements are designed to reduce interruptions and enhance clarity, making document navigation and interaction more fluid.
One of the standout additions is the integration of rich image descriptions directly within Narrator, especially on Copilot+ PCs, and broader compatibility with Copilot across all Windows 11 devices. Users can now trigger image descriptions by pressing Narrator key + Ctrl + D for the focused image or Narrator key + Ctrl + S for a full-screen description. This functionality opens up Copilot with the image ready for a prompt, allowing for customized descriptions while ensuring user privacy as images are only shared after explicit consent.
On Copilot+ PCs, these image descriptions are generated on-device, offering instant feedback. Users can further refine the descriptions by asking Copilot for more detail, creating a more interactive and informative experience for understanding visual content. This advancement significantly improves accessibility by providing context for images that might otherwise be inaccessible.
Further enhancing the Narrator experience, the update includes a Braille Viewer, a floating window that displays on-screen text and its Braille equivalent for connected refreshable Braille displays. This tool is particularly valuable for training, testing, and educational settings, making complex documents more accessible for visually impaired learners and professionals. Additionally, Narrator now offers smoother reading in applications like Microsoft Word, with improved voice feedback and more reliable navigation for lists, tables, and footnotes.
These improvements are part of a broader effort to make Narrator more versatile and user-friendly. The goal is to provide a more natural, less disruptive reading experience, especially when working with complex documents or navigating intricate interfaces. The improved handling of tables and lists, along with clearer boundary announcements, contributes to a more seamless interaction for users relying on screen readers.
“Click to Do” and AI Actions in File Explorer
The “Click to Do” feature has been updated to provide a more intuitive and efficient way for users to discover and utilize AI-powered actions. The context menu now includes popular action tags, highlighting the most frequently used AI functionalities. This makes it easier for users to quickly access relevant tools without extensive searching.
Furthermore, “Click to Do” now offers more concise summaries. The output for text entities is shorter and more focused, ensuring that users receive clear and actionable information efficiently. These ongoing improvements are designed to enhance clarity and precision in AI-generated summaries.
File Explorer also benefits from AI integration, with new “AI actions” available directly from the context menu. Users can now right-click on supported files, such as images (.jpg, .jpeg, .png), to access a range of AI-powered editing tools. These include Visual Search, which allows users to search the web using an image; Blur Background and Erase Objects using generative AI in the Photos app; and Remove Background to isolate a subject in Paint.
For documents, AI actions can summarize content or extract key insights, particularly when integrated with Microsoft 365. This functionality aims to streamline document analysis and information retrieval, saving users time and effort. The integration of these AI actions directly into File Explorer represents a significant step towards making AI capabilities more accessible and practical for everyday tasks.
The “Click to Do” context menu has been refined to make discovering AI-powered actions easier. New tags highlight popular and frequently used features, ensuring users can quickly find the tools they need. This streamlines the process of leveraging AI for various tasks, from summarization to image manipulation.
Smart App Control and System Stability Improvements
This update also brings improvements to Smart App Control (SAC), a security feature designed to block untrusted or potentially harmful applications. A notable change is the ability for users to now turn SAC on or off without requiring a complete reinstallation of the operating system. This flexibility makes the feature more practical for users who occasionally need to run unsigned or niche software.
To manage SAC, users can navigate to Settings > Windows Security > App & Browser Control > Smart App Control settings. This enhanced control allows users to better manage their security posture without significant system disruption. The ability to re-enable SAC after disabling it without a clean install significantly improves user experience and reduces administrative overhead.
The update includes stability improvements for the Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE) when running x64 applications on ARM64 devices. This ensures that these applications run more smoothly and respond as expected, enhancing the overall reliability of the system recovery process. These performance enhancements are crucial for maintaining system integrity and user confidence.
Additionally, bug fixes address issues that previously disrupted Windows Update via Windows Server Update Services (WSUS). It also resolves 0x80090010 errors related to Windows Hello on devices joined to Microsoft Entra ID domains after installing certain Windows updates. These fixes contribute to a more robust and dependable update experience.
Additional User Experience and Accessibility Features
The update introduces a redesigned “Advanced settings” page within Settings, replacing the previous “For developers” section. This new page offers a more structured and intuitive experience, consolidating various system settings for easier navigation. It also includes File Explorer version control details, such as branch name and last commit message, which are beneficial for developers working with Git repositories.
For users with visual impairments, the Narrator now provides improved voice feedback and navigation within Microsoft Word. This includes more reliable continuous reading and better handling of lists, tables, and footnotes, making document interaction more efficient. The goal is to create a more natural and less intrusive reading experience for all users.
The system’s ability to download required updates when prompted in Settings > System > Advanced has also been improved for reliability. This ensures that users receive critical updates seamlessly, maintaining the security and functionality of their Windows 11 system. These under-the-hood improvements contribute to a smoother overall user experience.
Furthermore, the update addresses an issue where Windows Sandbox could become unresponsive due to high CPU usage by the VmmemCMFirstBoot process after sign-in. This fix ensures that Windows Sandbox operates more smoothly and reliably. The inclusion of these various fixes and improvements underscores Microsoft’s commitment to refining the Windows 11 experience for all users.