New Pre-Release 24H2 Builds Come to Dev and Beta Channels

Microsoft has again issued what appears to be identical new pre-release builds of Windows 11 24H2 to the Dev and Beta channels of the Windows Insider Program.

Cumulative update KB5058493 is now available for PCs enrolled in the Dev channel. When installed, it updates Windows 11 to build 26200.5600. Likewise, cumulative update KB5058496 is now available in the Beta channel. Previous to this update, those with PCs in the Beta channel could opt in to 24H2 builds or elect to stick with 23H2. Those still on 23H2 can ignore this build, but as Microsoft notes, all Insiders in the Beta Channel will be … upgraded to Windows 11 version 24H2 soon.”

Major new features and changes in both builds include:

Improvements to the AI agent in Settings. Last week, Microsoft announced new features coming soon to Windows 11 and Copilot+ PCs. Among them was a new AI agent for the Settings app that understands natural language. In this build, that AI agent is available for those with Snapdragon X-based Copilot+ PCs. But this feature will come soon to those with AMD- and Intel-based x64 Copilot+ PCs as well.

Improvements to the intelligent text actions in Click to Do. Tied to that earlier announcement, Microsoft also noted that new text actions would soon come to Click to Do in preview, and this build delivers Summarize, Create, and Rewrite text actions–previously available on Snapdragon X-based Copilot+ PCs–to Copilot+ PCs based on AMD and Intel chips. These text actions require that the PC be configured for U.S. English for now, and they kick in when you select 10 words or more on-screen. You can learn more here.

Other changes and fixes. There are several other smaller changes and fixes, including the ability to remove Dynamic Lighting compatible devices and FAQS in Settings (System > About), and several fixes.

Additionally, Microsoft has updated Paint and Notepad to support Entra ID accounts so that commercial customers can access new AI features that were previously limited to consumers using Microsoft accounts. This includes Cocreator and Generative fill in Paint and text summarizing and rewriting capabilities in Notepad.