Windows 11 build 26052 adds Sudo command, Copilot context menu, Color Management in Settings

• Windows 11 now supports the “sudo” command like Linux and macOS.
• The latest preview of the operating system also adds a new Copilot with a context menu.
• The Settings app introduces a new Color Management page, Bluetooth changes, sound improvements, and wireless and printer settings tweaks.

On February 8, 2024, Microsoft resumed the Canary Channel by releasing the Windows 11 build 26052.1000 and 26052.1100 (KB5035384) in the Dev Channel. The two previews introduce a slew of new features and improvements, and the company notes that both releases are identical regarding new content and are expected to be part of version 24H2.

According to the official notes from the company, Windows 11 build 26052.1000 makes the Sudo command available for the Windows Terminal consoles, including PowerShell and Command Prompt, rolls out improvements for the Hearing Aid support in the operating system, and introduces a new microphone testing tool in the Sound settings.

In addition, Copilot on Windows 11 gains a new context menu, and now, by default, the operating system will open the chatbot AI on 27-inch displays. In the Settings app, the development team is porting the Color management options previously only available from the Control Panel. It’s now possible to use the Camera app to sign in to a wireless network and more.

The Windows 11 26052.1100 rolling out in the Dev Channel includes the same changes as the preview in the Canary Channel. However, this preview will also deploy features and changes previously available in the Canary Channel, such as Energy Saver, 7Zip and TAR creation wizard, Voice Clarity, Quick Settings with scrollable interface, QR code support to share wireless passwords, protected print mode, and changes for the Windows LAPS and SMB.

Furthermore, these previews will change the version number from 23H2 to 24H2. It’s important to note that this is the first time that Microsoft officially mentions the existence of Windows 11 24H2, which the company says will arrive during the second half of 2024.

However, this is temporary for the Canary Channel since the company notes that previews in this channel will eventually jump to a higher number. As a result, this means that previews in the Dev Channel will now belong to the development of version 24H2.

What’s new on Windows 11 build 26052.1000

These are the new features and changes rolling out with build 26052.1000:

Sudo command

As previously discovered, Microsoft is adding the “sudo” command to Windows 11.

Sudo (superuser do) is a command already available in Linux, macOS, and other Unix-based operating systems that allows you to run elevated tools without running the Windows Terminal as an administrator.

You can perform many operations using this command, such as deleting a protected file, invoking elevated commands, and opening a new terminal to perform any task.

You must enable the option manually from Settings > System > For developers and turn on the “Enable sudo” setting.

Sudo has three different modes:

• In a new window: Runs the terminal with elevated privileges.
• With input disabled: Runs the terminal inline as an administrator with standard input closed in the window you executed the elevation. It will also block interaction with the elevated process.
• Inline: The terminal will allow you to execute administrative tasks within the same window, similar to experience in Linux and macOS.

Hearing Aid changes

On Windows 11 build 26052.1000, it’s now possible to control audio presets, ambient sounds, and experience enhancements to the “Bluetooth & devices” settings page.

Microsoft also notes that users can also adjust the volume of ambient sound coming from their hearing aids.

The new features require support for Bluetooth LE Audio on Windows 11 and a hearing aid device.

In addition, the settings page is getting a few improvements, including monitoring capabilities for battery life and connection status. Also, the page adds an option to access the audio settings page (System > Sound > Properties) directly.

Sound improvements

As part of the properties for microphones, Windows 11 now provides a feature to test your microphone, which means that now, on Settings > System > Sound, inside the microphone properties, you will find a new “Microphone test” setting with two options, including the “Default” and “Communication” modes.

Once you select the mode, you can record and listen to audio and choose the processing mode that provides the best result. (However, Microsoft notes that the tool is only for testing and will not affect the audio mode.)

Copilot context menu and auto start

Windows 11 now includes an updated version of Copilot with a new context menu that surfaces different actions depending on the content you copied into the clipboard. (When you perform a copy action, the Copilot button will light up a dot, letting you know the actions are available.)

For example, when copying text to the clipboard, the menu will reveal specific actions, such as “Send to Copilot,” “Summarize,” and “Explain.”

If you copy an image to the clipboard, the menu will include the options to “Send to Copilot,” “Explain,” and “Edit image.”

You can also drag an image to the button to open the Copilot panel, then drop the image in the box and compose the prompt to perform the query.

Starting with this flight, Microsoft is also testing a new behavior that opens the Copilot panel automatically on devices with 27-inch or larger displays.

You can always turn off this option from Settings > Personalization > Copilot and turn off the “Open Copilot when Windows starts” toggle switch.

Taskbar changes

The Energy Saver icon in the Taskbar has been updated to have two leafs on computers without batteries and one leaf and battery on laptops.

Bluetooth improvements

On build 26052.1000, the “Bluetooth devices discovery” settings page removes the “Advanced” option and changes the workflow. This means the system will always scan for devices in the next feature update but only show common device types. If uncommon devices are found, you will notice a new “Show more devices” option to view them.

Also, when you are in the “Add a device” window from the Quick Settings flyout if you click the “Show all devices” option, the system will now show common and uncommon devices.

Color management in Settings

Microsoft is also porting the Color Management settings previously available in the Control Panel to the Settings app. The page is available from Settings > System > Display > Color management (Color Profiles).

The page works in the same way as legacy settings since it allows you to add and remove color profiles and set the default color profiles, and you can now control the auto color management on this page.

Printers setup

In this release, you can now configure the “Windows protected printer” mode directly from the “Printer & scanners” settings page.

Wireless settings

The option to view the “Wi-Fi” password is now available at the top of the page in Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi.

Also, you can now use the Camera app to scan a barcode from the wireless settings to sign into the Wi-Fi network.

Notifications changes

Microsoft updated the slow charger notification text to make it easier to understand. The notification now reads: “For the best charging experience, use a higher-watt charger.”

File Explorer

If an instance of File Explorer has more than one tab, the title in the thumbnail when hovering over the app in the Taskbar or in the ALT + Tab shortcut will read the name of the tab in focus and the number of tabs.

Registry Editor

It’s not often that we see changes for the Registry Editor, and in this flight, the app is getting an option, the “Find” interface, that allows you to limit the search to selected keys and subkeys.

Removed features

Starting on Windows 11 build 26052.1000, Microsoft is also completely removing support for Windows Mixed Reality and Microsoft Defender Application Guard (MDAG).

Install build 26052

To download and install the Windows 11 build 26052, enroll your device in the Canary or Dev Channel through the “Windows Insider Program” settings from the “Update & Security” section. Once you enroll the computer in the program, you can download the build from the “Windows Update” settings by clicking the “Check for Updates” button.

Microsoft also made the Windows 11 build 22635.3140 available in the Beta Channel with minor changes.