Microsoft’s Release Preview channel just received Build 26100.5061, a feature-packed update that brings a conversational AI agent to Settings, a redesigned Recall homepage, and AI-powered actions inside File Explorer — but the most transformative additions remain locked behind Copilot+ certified hardware. The rollout, documented in KB5064081 and delivered on August 14, 2025, exposes the widening gap between Microsoft’s AI ambitions and the reality for millions of Windows users on conventional x86 PCs.

The update is a mix of gradual-rollout features and standard fixes, with several AI experiences highlighted as flagships. Some are broadly available to all Insiders, while others demand a Copilot+ PC — a spec that fuses an on-device neural processing unit (NPU), Secured-core security, and Pluton chip-to-cloud safeguards. This hardware gate, originally exclusive to Snapdragon X-powered devices, now extends to AMD- and Intel-based Copilot+ machines, but it still leaves out a huge swath of capable hardware that lacks the certification.

What exactly arrived in Build 26100.5061

The Release Preview build packs a series of AI enhancements and polish items. Key additions include:

  • Recall’s new home page: The opt-in snapshot-based timeline now opens to a personalized view showing Recent Snapshots, Top Apps and Websites, and quick links to Timeline, Feedback, and Settings. The feature remains Copilot+-only and relies on local snapshot collection being enabled.
  • Click to Do onboarding: A short interactive tutorial demonstrates context-aware actions on text and images, nudging users to explore the AI-driven suggestions.
  • AI Actions in File Explorer: Right-clicking on JPG/JPEG/PNG images surfaces Visual Search, Blur Background, Erase Objects, and Remove Background (opens Paint). For Microsoft 365 documents stored in OneDrive or SharePoint, a “Summarize” action appears — but it requires an active Microsoft 365 subscription and a Copilot license.
  • Settings AI agent: A natural-language assistant for finding and changing system settings now supports AMD- and Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs, joining the initial Snapdragon coverage. The agent works only when English is set as the primary display language.
  • Quality-of-life fixes: A redesigned Windows Hello interface, improved lock screen widget personalization beyond the EEA, and numerous bug fixes across File Explorer, Task Manager, and accessibility features.

These updates are rolling out gradually, meaning not every eligible device will see them immediately. Still, the pattern is clear: the features with the greatest potential to change daily workflows are reserved for Copilot+ machines, while smaller UI tweaks and fixes land on all compatible Windows 11 PCs.

Settings AI agent: small friction, big promise

The new agent in Settings tackles a decades-old pain point — finding the right toggle behind nested menus. Users type plain-English requests like “turn on focus assist” or “disable screen saver after 10 minutes,” and the agent surfaces the exact setting, offering a one-click change with an undo option. That’s genuinely useful for novices and power users alike, cutting through the clutter of Control Panel and Settings app fragmentation.

Under the hood, the agent runs on-device, leveraging the NPU to keep latency low and avoid shipping queries to the cloud. This local-first design is central to Microsoft’s Copilot+ pitch: faster responses and stronger privacy because no voice or text leaves the device. The initial support for AMD and Intel Copilot+ PCs is a welcome expansion, but the dual requirement of certified hardware plus Insider enrollment (or a future public rollout) still limits reach. Microsoft says broader availability is planned, but for now, only a fraction of users can even test the agent.

Recall’s evolution — and the privacy tightrope

Recall, the controversial feature that takes periodic encrypted snapshots of your active screen, gets a more approachable interface in this build. The new home page emphasizes recent captures and favorite apps, turning the timeline into a quick resume tool. The feature remains strictly opt-in, with snapshots stored locally, encrypted, and decrypted only after Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in authentication. Microsoft has added export and reset controls, the latter letting users wipe all Recall data and start fresh.

These protections are designed to address the visceral privacy concerns that erupted when Recall was first announced. The idea of a photographic memory for your PC is powerful — users can search for a phrase or image from hours or days ago and jump right back to that moment — but the thought of constant screen captures, even encrypted, makes many uncomfortable. Enterprise admins get additional controls: Recall is disabled by default on managed devices, and policies can govern snapshot retention and filtering. In the EEA, Recall is now available for the first time, with the added ability to export snapshots to third-party apps and websites.

Despite these safeguards, skepticism persists. The community notes that “even though Recall encrypts and confines snapshots to the device, the idea of frequent screen captures is inherently privacy-sensitive.” Users and administrators will want exact answers on how snapshot data can be exported, who can enable it in managed environments, and how long captures persist. Microsoft’s recent updates — shortening default retention windows and adding the reset option — show the company is listening, but rebuilding trust will take time.

File Explorer AI actions: free editing meets paid productivity

A more subtle but practical addition is AI Actions in File Explorer. Right-clicking an image now gives instant access to Visual Search, Blur Background, Erase Objects, and Remove Background. These actions launch the Photos or Paint app for processing and work for any user, no subscription needed. They save the chore of opening apps and navigating menus just to do quick edits.

The document side is more restrictive. The Summarize action, which generates a Copilot-powered summary of a Microsoft 365 document, demands an active Microsoft 365 subscription and a Copilot license. That paygate means the AI workflow in File Explorer is fragmented: some right-click options are free and universal, others are locked behind a monthly fee and specific licensing. For commercial customers, this is part of a larger strategy to drive Copilot adoption; for home users, it’s a reminder that many AI perks come with a price tag.

The hardware gate: what makes a Copilot+ PC, and who gets left out

Copilot+ is not just a sticker. Microsoft requires a Secured-core PC baseline, Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security, Microsoft Pluton, and an NPU capable of running on-device AI workloads. Early devices emerged with Snapdragon X processors; Intel Core Ultra (with NPU) and AMD Ryzen AI-class chips are now part of the ecosystem, but not all laptops with those CPUs automatically qualify. OEMs must meet the full specification, and certification timelines vary.

Users can check eligibility by heading to Settings > System > About and looking for a processor branded “Core Ultra,” “Ryzen AI,” or “Snapdragon X,” then verifying whether the device was marketed as Copilot+. Even if the silicon technically has an NPU, missing the certification means missing out on the AI agent, Recall, and other Copilot+ exclusives. Those who bought high-end Intel or AMD hardware before Copilot+ launched — or who have powerful desktops that lack the Pluton chip — are simply locked out. The community calls this “a hardware-based access fence” that risks alienating enthusiasts and businesses alike.

Strengths: where Microsoft’s AI strategy shines

For all the gating frustration, the execution has genuine highlights.

  • Local-first design: On-device processing via NPU reduces latency and keeps sensitive data off cloud servers. The Settings agent and Recall both benefit, delivering snappier performance than cloud-dependent alternatives.
  • Thoughtful UI integration: Features like the Settings agent, Click to Do tutorial, and File Explorer AI Actions aim to reduce friction by surfacing relevant tools exactly when users need them. No separate app, no web service.
  • Enterprise controls and opt-in defaults: Recall’s secure-by-default posture, admin policies, and Windows Hello gating show Microsoft learned from past privacy missteps. IT teams can disable the feature entirely or tailor it to specific user groups.
  • Feature layering: Microsoft has built tiers: baseline AI conveniences for everyone, Microsoft 365/Copilot paygates for advanced productivity, and Copilot+ exclusives for the lowest-latency on-device experiences. This allows monetization without abandoning free-tier users.

Risks and unresolved tensions

The current rollout also exposes several fault lines.

  • Fragmentation and perceived unfairness: Locking high-value features behind a certification badge risks a two-tier user experience. A user with a $2,000 workstation may see zero AI enhancements, while a budget Snapdragon laptop gets the full suite. Community sentiment reflects this: “If the best experiences require new hardware plus subscription licensing, adoption will be asymmetric and may generate resentment.”
  • Privacy anxiety despite protections: Even with encryption and opt-in design, Recall’s snapshot model is conceptually intrusive. Some organizations may prohibit it outright, and users are likely to scrutinize its default settings and data handling.
  • Licensing complexity: The Summarize action’s requirement for Microsoft 365 + Copilot license introduces confusion. Users may right-click a document, see “Summarize,” and then hit a paywall — a jarring experience that fragments workflows.
  • Dependence on vendor rollout cadence: Even when Microsoft opens functionality, OEMs and silicon partners control how quickly their devices reach Copilot+ certification. The staggered timeline for Intel and AMD support — first Snapdragon, then others — leaves early adopters of new hardware waiting months.

Practical guidance for users and IT teams

For those navigating this landscape, a few steps can help.

  • If the Settings agent, Recall, and future Copilot+ exclusives are important to you, prioritize Copilot+ certified devices when purchasing. Check the spec sheet for the full certification, not just the NPU.
  • For privacy-sensitive environments, keep Recall disabled on managed devices by default. If enabling it, provide clear consent flows and use the available retention and filter settings to minimize exposure. Review the new export/reset controls.
  • Update Photos, Paint, and other Store apps to the latest versions to ensure the free AI image actions work as intended. Confirm Microsoft 365 and Copilot licensing if your team plans to use document summarization via File Explorer.
  • Test in the Windows Insider Release Preview channel before broad rollout. For IT admins, pilot the Microsoft 365/Copilot-dependent features with a controlled group to assess licensing impact and user acceptance.

The road ahead

Build 26100.5061 moves the Windows 11 AI story forward in meaningful ways. The Settings agent could become a daily time-saver. Recall, if it earns trust, may redefine how users resume interrupted work. File Explorer AI actions inject practical intelligence where it’s most needed. But the gating conundrum remains: Microsoft is building a powerful AI layer that’s not equally reachable. The company must continue to communicate clearly about what runs locally, how data is protected, and when features will expand beyond Copilot+ devices. Without that transparency, the promise of AI-powered Windows risks being overshadowed by frustration over fences.

For users and IT teams, cautious optimism is the sensible stance. Try the features in preview if you’re eligible, evaluate privacy settings and administrative controls, and treat Copilot+ as a strategic capability — adopted where productivity gains justify the hardware and licensing cost. Windows 11’s AI transformation is real; the next challenge is delivering it in a way that earns trust and avoids splitting the user base in two.