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Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7535 (KB5072046) was released to the Dev and Beta Channels on January 9, 2026. Based on Windows 11 version 25H2, it added staged features involving Narrator, Copilot removal on managed devices, and Cross Device Resume, alongside fixes and a list of known issues. It has since been superseded in Beta: Microsoft listed build 26220.9568 on September 25, 2026.
What was Build 26220.7535?
Microsoft announced Build 26220.7535, identified as KB5072046, for Windows 11 Insider Dev and Beta Channel participants on January 9, 2026. Microsoft said the 26220.xxxx builds for both channels were based on Windows 11 version 25H2 through an enablement package. Microsoft’s January 9 release announcement
At that time, Dev Insiders had a temporary opportunity to switch to Beta while the channels were receiving the same 25H2-based builds. Microsoft said the opportunity would end once Dev moved to a higher build. This was a time-limited channel-switch condition, not a permanent option tied to KB5072046.
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What changed in the update?
Microsoft divided the release notes between features being gradually rolled out and changes rolling out to everyone in the channels. A feature being named in the announcement did not mean it would appear immediately on every eligible PC. Microsoft also cautioned that Insider features can change, be removed, or never be released beyond Insider builds.
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Narrator can use Copilot for image descriptions
Microsoft announced Copilot-powered image descriptions for Narrator on Windows 11 devices. With an image focused, users can press Narrator key + Ctrl + D; to describe the full screen, the shortcut is Narrator key + Ctrl + S. The workflow opens Copilot with the image ready for a prompt. Microsoft said the image is shared only after the user chooses to describe it.
On Copilot+ PCs, Narrator continues to provide instant image descriptions on-device, with an option to continue in Copilot. Microsoft said this feature was unavailable in the European Economic Area. These privacy and regional-availability details are Microsoft’s statements in the release notes, not independent verification. January 9, 2026 release notes
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Administrators can remove Microsoft Copilot under specific conditions
The new RemoveMicrosoftCopilotApp policy lets an administrator uninstall the Microsoft Copilot app for a user only when the stated conditions are met:
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- Both Microsoft 365 Copilot and Microsoft Copilot are installed.
- The Microsoft Copilot app was not installed by the user.
- The Microsoft Copilot app has not been launched in the preceding 28 days.
Microsoft said the policy applies to Enterprise, Pro, and EDU SKUs, and that users can reinstall the app. It is an administrator policy for qualifying managed-device circumstances, not a general removal feature for every Copilot installation. Microsoft’s policy details
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Cross Device Resume adds a developer integration route
Microsoft described Windows Notification System notifications as an additional way for developers to integrate with Cross Device Resume, alongside the existing Link to Windows route. The release announcement also said a refreshed Windows Spotlight icon was being tested with a small group of Insiders.
What did Microsoft fix?
The January 9 announcement listed fixes in several parts of Windows:
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- 15.6-INCH FULL HD DISPLAY: Enjoy immersive visuals on the 15.6" FHD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with micro-edge bezels. Delivers clear details and comfortable viewing for long study sessions, working on spreadsheets, and video playback
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- Start: Fixed a truncated warning that appeared when shutting down.
- File Explorer: Fixed a crash that affected some Insiders when opening the desktop context menu.
- Snipping Tool: Fixed a black flash when inking with a pen.
- Printing: Addressed duplicate print dialogs and other print user-interface problems.
- Windows Update: Fixed a Settings page that could hang while loading.
Which problems were known at release?
Microsoft listed the following issues in the January 9 announcement. They describe the state reported at publication; the list does not establish whether each issue was later resolved.
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- Some users could not click the Start menu, although the Windows key still opened it. The issue could also affect Notification Center and Quick Settings.
- Some system tray apps could be missing, and taskbar auto-hide could activate too early.
- Settings could crash when users interacted with audio devices.
- Some Bluetooth battery levels might not appear.
- A Click to Do prompt for Microsoft 365 Copilot might not work if the app was not running.
Microsoft’s announcement contains the full dated fix and known-issue notes.
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- 【Long Battery Life & Portable】 Built-in 11.55V 5000mAh/57.75Wh high-capacity battery delivers approximately 7 hours of mixed-use battery life – enough for a full day of classes and assignments. Lightweight at just 1.63kg (3.6 lbs) and 19.5mm thin, plus a compact packing size – easily slips into a backpack for campus, library, or coffee shop
Is 26220.7535 still the latest Beta build?
No. Microsoft listed Beta build 26220.9568 in its September 25, 2026 channel announcement, a later build than 26220.7535. That dated comparison establishes that 26220.7535 had been superseded in Beta by September 25; it does not establish which build is latest on a later date. Microsoft’s September 25, 2026 Beta announcement
As the Windows Insider Program Team put it in the January 9 announcement, “Features and experiences included in these builds may never get released as we try out different concepts and get feedback.”
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