Microsoft Belatedly Delivers Windows 11 Preview Updates

It’s Week D, but Tuesday came and went without a single preview update for Windows 11 versions 22H2, 23H2, or 24H2. But that was rectified today, two days late: All three Windows 11 finally got an optional preview update and a (slightly less early) peek at what to expect on Patch Tuesday in July.

Those on Windows 11 version 24H2 can optionally install cumulative update KB5060829, which upgrades the OS to build 26100.4484. This update adds the following new features, gradually via Controlled Feature Release (CFR):

• Click to Do improvements. Those with a Copilot+ PC and a Microsoft 365 license can access a lame new “Ask Copilot” action for image and text that simply copies and pastes the selected item into the Copilot app so you can then ask questions about it.
• PC migration in Windows Backup. The Windows Backup app is getting one part of a coming PC migration feature with a landing and pairing page that previews what’s coming. “In the full experience, you’ll be able to transfer files and settings from an old PC to a new one during setup,” Microsoft says. “Support for this feature during PC setup will arrive in a future update. The rollout is being introduced in phases to support a smooth experience.”
• Taskbar improvements. Microsoft is sort-of bringing back the small Taskbar option from previous Windows releases, albeit badly: Now, you can make the Taskbar icons smaller, but not the Taskbar itself. This can be enabled all the time or only when required as the Taskbar fills up. Hopefully, we’ll get the full experience in a future update.
• Narrator improvements. Narrator gets a new Screen Curtain feature to protect your privacy by blacking out the screen while it’s reads content out loud.
• Settings improvements. The Settings homepage is becoming available to commercial customers.
• Windows Share improvements. Windows Share shows a preview when you share linked/web content, and you can choose from three compression levels when sharing an image.
• EU changes for DMA compliance. Customers in the European Economic Area (EEA) are getting the previously-announced improvements for DMA compliance, most related to web browser defaults.

Those on Windows 11 version 22H2 or 23H2 can optionally install cumulative update 22621.5549 or 22631.5549, respectively to get a subset of the features noted above, including the PC migration update, the Windows Share changes, and the EU changes.