Microsoft Trials Automated Quick Machine Recovery for Windows 11

If you’re using Windows 11, keeping your system in good shape is about to become a lot simpler. Microsoft is currently experimenting with a new feature for Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel called Quick Machine Recovery.

Quick Machine Recovery is designed to identify issues and apply solutions automatically via the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). Whenever a PC encounters a critical boot failure, it will transition into WinRE and forward diagnostic data to Microsoft, which then deploys the necessary fixes.

This new tool was unveiled at the 2024 Ignite event, and it allows IT administrators to carry out remote, targeted repairs. If you’re keen to dig into the specifics, Microsoft has shared all the details and availability information in a blog post related to Windows 11 Build 26120.3653.

## Windows 11 Build 26120.3653

### Introducing Quick Machine Recovery

Quick Machine Recovery, part of the Windows Resiliency Initiative announced at Ignite 2024, is now part of the latest Windows Insider Preview build. This feature is engineered to tackle common boot issues on Windows 11 devices by automatically finding and fixing problems right from WinRE. This process aims to cut down on system downtime and reduce the need for manual tinkering. When a critical issue arises, your device will enter WinRE, engage the network, and transmit diagnostics to Microsoft for targeted repair deployment through Windows Update. IT administrators are advised to enable, customize, or try out this new capability, which is already active by default for home users. Windows Insiders can give it a go today and offer feedback via the Feedback Hub to help fine-tune the feature. Simply go to Recovery and Uninstall > Quick Machine Recovery in the Feedback Hub app. Stay tuned for a test package coming soon that will demonstrate Quick Machine Recovery in action.

### Introducing Speech Recap in Narrator

Narrator is continually being refined to be more intuitive and useful for its daily users. With this in mind, we’re rolling out Speech Recap—a tool designed to help users track what Narrator has spoken and quickly access that info. Speech Recap allows you to quickly revisit spoken content, follow along with live transcriptions, and easily copy the last thing Narrator said using straightforward keyboard shortcuts.

You can open the Speech Recap window with Narrator key + Alt + X to view the last 500 strings spoken by Narrator. Keep in mind that this text refreshes every time Narrator is opened. You can navigate and copy the necessary text using standard reading commands and arrow keys.

Need to save or share something immediately? You can copy the last spoken phrase directly to your clipboard without even opening the Speech Recap window—just use Narrator key + Control + X.

The utility of Speech Recap and its shortcuts shines in scenarios such as recalling a hint after opening a new window, copying an error code, or integrating Narrator’s speech into training materials. The real-time transcription feature is also invaluable for Assistive Technology trainers, teachers for students with visual impairments, and professionals who are hard of hearing but still want to make use of Narrator. To view live transcriptions of Narrator audio, open the Speech Recap window using Narrator key + Alt + X and place it on the desired part of your screen. You’ll then see transcriptions update in real-time as tasks are performed.

These keyboard shortcuts are easy to pick up:

– Control + Windows key + Enter = Turn Narrator on/off
– Narrator key + X = Repeat the last spoken content
– Narrator key + control + X = Copy the last spoken content
– Narrator key + Alt + X = Open the Speech Recap window for history and live transcription

## Windows 11 Build 26120.3653: Gradual Changes

### General

We’re showcasing a new, cleaner UI for unexpected restarts that aligns with Windows 11’s design philosophy, helping users resume productivity swiftly. This streamlined experience retains technical info and, for Windows Insiders, appears as a “green screen.” It’s beginning to roll out for Windows Insiders on version 24H2 and higher in the Beta, Dev, and Canary Channels.

### Copilot on Windows

Now you can summon Copilot on Windows using Win + C. You also have the option to personalize the Copilot key and Win + C experience through Settings > Personalization > Text Input. To start a conversation with Copilot, press and hold the Copilot key for 2 seconds, or use Win + C if your device lacks a Copilot key. The Esc key will end your chat. If the conversation goes silent for a bit, Copilot will automatically disengage. At the conclusion of a talk, the microphone will vanish from the screen. Alternatively, initiating a chat can be done with Alt + Spacebar. This interactive capability supports ongoing tasks without disruption and is included in the latest Copilot app update (version 1.25033.139.0 and higher), which is gradually being distributed across Insider Channels via the Microsoft Store. Developers can access this feature for their applications via Handle Microsoft Copilot hardware key state changes, while Microsoft 365’s enterprise-focused Copilot app currently doesn’t support this. Win + C and the talk feature are being released in stages, so not all Insiders will find the update immediately. We’re excited to preview these enhancements with Insiders to ensure a top-notch Copilot experience for all Windows users.

### Click to Do (Preview)

For those using Copilot+ PCs, Click to Do is now accessible from the Start menu, with pin-to-Start and taskbar options available. It supports intelligent text actions in Spanish and French, as well as English, with more languages planned for future inclusion. These text actions, currently on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, are expanding soon to AMD and Intel®-powered Copilot+ PCs as well. Click to Do also includes a feature for creating bulleted lists, available in the same languages and on the same devices. Additionally, we’re offering management policies for Click to Do in commercial settings—IT administrators can explore further here.

## Other Developments

We’ve decided to remove the bypassnro.cmd script from the build. This decision improves the security and user experience of Windows 11, ensuring all users finish the setup process with active internet connectivity and a Microsoft Account.

### Windows Share

Starting with the latest Insider build, sharing links or web content via the Windows share window will now present a visual preview of the content. Additionally, the Windows share feature now includes quick image editing options like cropping, rotating, and applying filters during sharing. A particularly handy new feature is the ability to compress images to reduce their size before sharing, though this currently applies only to local images stored on your device and in specific formats such as .jpg, .jpeg, .dib, .png, .tif, .tiff, and .bmp.

Stay tuned as Windows continues to evolve with changes that prioritize user-friendly experiences and robust functionality.