How To Explore the New Windows 11 Build 26200.5622: Start Menu, Search, Settings, and Fixes

Introduction of Microsoft 365 Integration on Copilot Plus PCs

The latest Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5622 introduces enhanced functionalities for Copilot Plus PCs, particularly through the integration of Microsoft 365. This update allows users to utilize a new text action feature, enabling various interactions with Office applications directly from the desktop. This integration signifies a step forward in Microsoft’s AI capabilities, streamlining workflows for users heavily reliant on Microsoft Office tools.

Quick Machine Recovery: A Lifesaver for Boot Issues

One of the standout features of this build is the introduction of Quick Machine Recovery within the settings app. This feature is particularly beneficial for users experiencing boot issues, as it provides automatic recovery solutions. You can find this under Settings > System > Recovery > Quick Machine Recovery. Setting it up involves toggling the feature on and choosing how often you want Windows to check for issues — options range from every 10 minutes to every 12 hours. Basically, it can hook into automatic troubleshooting and restart cycles, so you’re less likely to get stuck in a boot loop or wait forever for manual fixes.

Why it helps: Because of course Windows has to make it harder than necessary. This is kind of a proactive shield that kicks in when things go south.

When it applies: If your system has a knack for crashing out during startup, or if Windows just gets weird and unresponsive.

What to expect: Windows will periodically scan and try to fix itself in the background, hopefully saving the day without you having to get your hands dirty.

Funny enough, on some setups, toggling this right off or on can sometimes require a reboot before it takes effect. On others, it works right away.

Enhanced Widget Management

Microsoft has revamped how widgets work by letting you create multiple dashboards. You can now swiftly jump between dedicated widget dashboards and the usual ‘My Feed’. To do this, go to Widgets > Manage Dashboards. They also added some shiny new prompts in the ‘Open With’ dialogue, making you think about switching app defaults — mostly for Store apps, but still kinda handy if you’re into that stuff.

Why it helps: It’s all about making that widget experience more flexible and not just a single, static sidebar.

When it applies: If you like having different dashboards for work, news, or just random cat videos, and hate digging through menus.

What to expect: Smoother switching, more customization, and maybe some annoyance if those prompts pop up too often.

Improvements in Phone Link Integration

Phone Link has been given some love — now you can see your Android notifications grouped by app right from the Start menu. Plus, the mirror function has gotten a quick click-to-connect option, instead of fumbling through settings. iPhone users also get easier access to recent photos via iCloud, which is neat if you’re into syncing pictures without a hassle. To see your notifications, just click Start > Phone Link or find the app in the menu.

Why it helps: Cutting down those frantic app switches and making notifications more accessible, saving time and mental bandwidth.

When it applies: When you’re tired of missing important alerts because they’re buried in apps or notifications historical chaos.

What to expect: Less clicking, more info right at your fingertips, plus a smoother Android or iPhone integration.

Just a heads-up: sometimes mirroring might lag or not connect right away, especially if your devices are having network issues. On one machine it worked perfect, on another — not so much. Typical Windows magic.

Revamped Windows Backup App and PC Migration Experience

This build introduces a fresh PC-to-PC migration setup through the Windows Backup app. Located in Settings > Accounts > Backup > Migrate Data (or something close), it’s supposed to make transferring files, app data, and settings from an old PC to a new one easier. The process involves pairing your new device with the old one via Bluetooth or QR code, and then it handles the rest. Still early days, but it’s supposed to smooth out the usual headache of migrating Windows setups.

Why it helps: Because moving everything manually is a time sink, and Windows has a history of making it more complicated than it needs to be.

When it applies: During initial setup of a new machine, or when upgrading hardware.

What to expect: A guided, somewhat automated migration that hopefully transfers your apps and files seamlessly.

On some machines, initial pairing stumbles, but subsequent tries tend to work fine. Not 100% reliable yet, but promising.

Refined Settings Dialogues

Settings dialogs, especially under activation or product key entries, now look more consistent with Windows 11’s new aesthetic — cleaner, with better spacing. If you’re troubleshooting or entering a new product key (Settings > System > Activation), things should look less clunky.

Why it helps: Because ugly, outdated dialogs just make everything feel worse, even if the underlying process is fine.

When it applies: If you’ve been annoyed or confused about activation screens or login pages.

What to expect: A more pleasant visual experience and perhaps fewer errors if the interface is more intuitive.

Hard to say if this fixes anything major, but it’s a nice touch.

General Fixes and Enhancements

This build addresses some annoying bugs — like issues with clicking your profile picture not opening the account menu anymore, and the File Explorer menu cutting off if you have a long list of options. The Task Manager got some updates, fixing CPU core display bugs, and Narrator’s ‘Describe Image’ is more reliable now.

Why it helps: Because even small bugs can be annoying, especially if they mess with your workflow or accessibility.

When it applies: If you’ve faced quirks with these apps or features, chances are they should be less annoying now.

What to expect: Slightly more stable and polished experience overall. Not perfect, but better.

Known Issues and Drawbacks

Some stuff still bugs out. For instance, taskbar icons sometimes look smaller than they should, even if you’ve set them to be bigger. Also, if you’re using an older Dolby Vision display, you might see weird colors or severe discoloration — disabling Dolby Vision mode tends to fix it, but that’s messy for those who need it for HDR content.

Why it helps: Not much, but knowing what’s broken helps decide whether to upgrade or wait for patches.

When it applies: If you rely on full visual accuracy or noticed weird icons, you might want to hold off on upgrades for now.

Expect some weirdness, but it’s par for the course with early builds.