KB5053644 (build 26120.3585) for Windows 11 brings AI to search in Beta Channel

Microsoft is now rolling out the Windows 11 build 26120.3585 in the Beta Channel as the update KB5053644 for version 24H2. This preview build brings AI to Windows Search, improves performance for unzipping files, and addresses various issues.

Windows 11 build 26120.3585 (Beta)

According to the official notes, these are the new features and changes available in the Beta Channel for Windows 11:

Windows Search with semantic indexing

Starting with this preview build, the development team is updating the Windows Search feature with semantic indexing. Semantic indexing means that now the system uses AI to help you find files, settings, and apps using natural language anywhere in the system, including in the search box for File Explorer, Taskbar, Start menu, or Search (home).

For example, instead of remembering the document name, you can simply describe it (for example, “Brazil trip budget”).

If you’re in the Settings app, you search for the configuration you want to make rather than searching for the actual setting’s name (for example, “how to change background”).

Microsoft also recommends enabling the “Enhanced” index option in Settings > Privacy & Security> Searching Windows for the best search experience. Currently, this feature works for local files, but in the future, it will work for other storage providers, including OneDrive.

The improvements for search are supported in Chinese, English, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish. Supported file formats include .txt, .pdf, .docx, .doc, .rtf, .pptx, .ppt, .xls, .xlsx for documents and .jpg/.jpeg, .png, .gif, .bmp, .ico for images.

In addition, build 26120.3585 includes another update to the Windows Search experience, which allows you to find images stored in the cloud using natural language.

For example, if you have taken pictures while cycling, you can simply search for “mountain biking” or any type of text that describes the image. The search experience should then show the relevant images.

The ability to search images with natural language is available for those using a Microsoft account and who are connected to the internet. If you have a work or school account, you will only see the matches for the keywords.

It’s important to note that this improvement is gradually rolling out for Copilot+ PCs using the Snapdragon processors. Support for AMD and Intel Copilot+ PCs will arrive in future updates.

File Explorer with faster unzipping

Microsoft is also updating File Explorer to improve unzipping performance when extracting a zip file with a large number of small files.

Also, it fixes a bug causing the delay in closing the app using the “Close” (X) button. 

Lock Screen

In the Lock Screen, you will find an updated web sign-in icon that aligns with the other icons in the experience.

Other fixes and known issues

The update KB5053644 also fixes a navigation problem with the Settings app, and the company notes various known issues with Recall, Click to Do, Windows Search, File Explorer, Taskbar, and Task Manager.

Installation process

To download and install this Windows 11 build, enroll your device in the Beta Channel through the “Windows Insider Program” settings from the “Update & Security” section. Once you enroll the computer in the program, you can download the build from the “Windows Update” settings by turning on the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” option and clicking the “Check for Updates” button.