Windows 11 Update KB5046723 and KB5046756 Introduces New Recall, Resume, and Click to Do Features

• Microsoft introduces the beta versions of Windows Recall and Click to Do via update KB5046723 in the Dev Channel.
• The latest Windows 11 preview enhances the Windows Hello functionality and its associated settings.
• An additional update, KB5046756, is available in the Beta Channel, featuring the newly introduced Resume functionality.
• Users can also expect visual upgrades in the File Explorer, Start menu, and Passkeys settings.

UPDATED 11/27/24: Microsoft advances the development of Windows 11 with the release of build 26120.2415 (KB5046723) in the Dev Channel alongside build 22635.4515 (KB5046756) from the Beta Channel. In this deployment, the Beta Channel preview acts as a minor update, whereas the Dev Channel update is regarded as substantial.

Windows 11 Build 26120.2415 (Dev)

As outlined in the official announcement, Windows 11 build 26120.2415 marks the debut preview of the Windows Recall feature, specifically for Copilot+ PCs powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon processors. Plans are in place to extend this feature to Copilot+ PCs equipped with Intel and AMD processors, although a specific launch date has not been disclosed.

For an in-depth exploration of Windows Recall, refer to my detailed guide that covers all aspects. In summary, Microsoft has launched an upgraded version of the feature that addresses numerous security and privacy issues.

This update ensures that data retained by Windows 11 through Recall remains encrypted, even while signed in, necessitating constant authentication via Windows Hello to access the relevant information.

Commencing with update KB5046723, compatible devices will automatically download the AI models for managing “Recall”and “Click to Do”via Windows Update. However, the feature will remain inactive until the user chooses to enable it by launching the application from the Start menu and opting into the experience.

The user interface for the Recall app remains largely unchanged since its initial introduction, but now integrates with Windows Hello for enhanced security while accessing your data. Sensitive screenshots are no longer saved, and users can now utilize the Click to Do feature.

Click to Do allows users to execute various actions from texts and elements within a Recall snapshot. For instance, selecting text allows users to copy it, launch it in an app, conduct a web search, access a link, or send an email.

When selecting elements from an image, you can copy, save, share, launch in an app, conduct visual searches, blur backgrounds, erase objects, or remove backgrounds via the Photos or Paint app.

The Settings application now boasts a dedicated “Recall & snapshots”management page, allowing users to disable the feature, pause it temporarily, filter apps and sites, manage storage, and delete snapshots.

Additionally, users can activate or deactivate Recall through the “Turn Windows features on or off.” However, during the early phases of development, the operating system will retain the binaries on the hard drive, although future updates will eliminate all Recall-related components from the setup.

Modern Design for Windows Hello

With Windows 11 build 26120.2415, Microsoft is also refreshing the Sign-in screen with visual updates for computers configured with Windows Hello Face, Fingerprint, or PIN. Notably, a new animation will appear on the sign-in icon upon accessing the screen, enhancing user experience.

While logged into your account, the operating system has revamped the security credential dialogs that involve passkeys.

For instance, a newly designed animation will play once you create a passkey, which will recognize the information during your next sign-in process, allowing you to switch between various authentication options seamlessly.

Changes to the Settings App

Additional modifications within the Settings app include the removal of the “Activity history” page from the “Privacy & security”category.

Moreover, the “System” section now features a new “AI components” page, which catalogs elements with AI capabilities.

Additional Modifications and Fixes

This update introduces two enhancements to the Windows Narrator experience: Skip past links (N’) and Jump to lists (L’).

Additionally, improvements have been made to speech-to-text and text-to-speech functionalities, with language files now delivered through the Microsoft Store.

Furthermore, fixes have been rolled out to the Taskbar, File Explorer, Windows Narrator, and input functionalities.

Windows 11 Build 22635.4515 (Beta)

Microsoft is also releasing update KB5046756 (build 22635.4515) for Windows 11. According to the official notes, this update brings forth the new “Resume” feature and allows users to share files directly from the context menu in the Start menu, specifically from the “Recommended” section. Additionally, a new keyboard shortcut “Ctrl + Alt + Minus” is introduced for toggling between the current zoom level and 1x zoom, also modifying access to File Explorer.

The update adds API support for third-party passkey providers and WebAuthn APIs for enhanced plugin authentication options for passkeys. This new functionality will enable users to manage passkeys via third-party services alongside the native options available within the operating system.

Resume Feature

The Resume feature facilitates seamless integration between mobile devices and PCs, allowing users to pick up where they left off on files stored in their OneDrive account, even when starting on an iPhone or Android device.

This functionality can be located under Settings > Apps > Resume. When activated, users receive toast notifications to continue editing a document accessed from their phone within five minutes of unlocking their computer.

Clicking the notification will reopen the document from OneDrive in your browser.

Microsoft specifies that this feature requires a Microsoft account and does not support work or school accounts. Currently, it is limited to documents compatible with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and PDFs.

For optimal usage, OneDrive must be active on your mobile device while the computer remains locked. The notification will only appear if the computer is unlocked within five minutes of accessing the file on the mobile device.

Modifications to File Explorer

Enhancements to File Explorer under the Beta Channel include fixes to several issues and improved performance for context menus and thumbnails associated with cloud files.

Additionally, it has been noted that clicking on desktop or external folder links will now open in new tabs within the active File Explorer window.

For users preferring a different experience, a new option titled “Open desktop folders and external folder links in new tab” can be found in the “Folder Options” settings.

These features can be manually activated using the vivetool /enable /id:49143212,52081114,48433719 command via ViveTool.

Moreover, Microsoft introduces an option to disable the notifications prompting users to back up files to OneDrive.

Enabling this feature can also be done manually through the vivetool /enable /id:47944061 command using ViveTool.

Updated Passkeys Settings

Following the update KB5046756, alongside the addition of APIs for third parties, a new “Advanced options” page can be found in Settings > Passkeys for managing third-party services.

New Share Option in Start Menu

The Start menu incorporates a new “Share” option within the files context menu in the “Recommended” section, streamlining the file-sharing process.

How to Install

To download and install these Windows 11 builds, enroll your device in either the Beta or Dev Channel via the “Windows Insider Program” settings found in the “Update & Security” section. Once successfully enrolled, you can access the build through “Windows Update” settings by enabling the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” option and clicking the “Check for Updates” button.