Windows Insiders Get First Look at AI That Actually Does Stuff

According to Thurrott.com, Microsoft has released the first preview of Copilot Actions across all Windows Insider channels during Microsoft Ignite 2025 in San Francisco. The new Release Preview builds for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2 are also now available with cumulative update KB5070311, updating devices to build 26200.7296 (25H2) or 26100.7296 (24H2). Copilot Actions represents Microsoft’s push into agentic AI, allowing users to describe tasks that AI agents will then complete using Windows desktop apps and web applications. The experimental feature requires the latest Copilot app version 1.25112.74 or higher and must be manually enabled in settings. These builds also provide a preview of the December Patch Tuesday update that all Windows 11 users will eventually receive.

AI that actually does things

Here’s the thing about most AI assistants – they’re basically glorified search engines with better conversation skills. Copilot Actions represents Microsoft’s attempt to move beyond that. Instead of just finding information or writing emails for you, this is supposed to be AI that actually performs tasks across your applications. Think “book me a flight” and it actually navigates to airline websites, fills out forms, and completes the booking. That’s the promise anyway.

But let’s be real – we’ve heard this before. The gap between “AI that can do things” and “AI that can do things reliably” is massive. I’m curious how many edge cases and “sorry, I can’t do that” responses users will encounter. Still, getting this into Insider hands now suggests Microsoft is serious about making AI agents a core part of the Windows experience rather than just a sidebar chatbot.

What’s the point of 25H2?

So about these Windows 11 builds – Microsoft says 24H2 and 25H2 are “functionally identical.” Which makes you wonder why they’re bothering with the version number bump at all. Basically, it seems like Microsoft is settling into a rhythm where they’re testing smaller, more incremental updates rather than massive feature drops twice a year.

The Canary channel build 28000.1199 is even more telling – they explicitly say there are “no new features or meaningful changes.” It feels like Microsoft is using these channels more for stability testing and backend improvements than for flashy new capabilities. And honestly? That’s probably a good thing. Windows has had enough half-baked features shoved into releases lately.

The industrial angle

While this is consumer-focused tech, it’s worth noting that reliable computing platforms matter everywhere – including industrial settings where companies like IndustrialMonitorDirect.com provide the rugged panel PCs that run manufacturing floors and control systems. When Microsoft rolls out AI features that can actually interact with applications, that has implications far beyond the home office. The ability to automate complex workflows could eventually transform how industrial systems are monitored and managed.

Where this is headed

Look, Microsoft is clearly betting big on AI becoming the new interface for computing. Copilot Actions feels like the next logical step beyond the current “help me write” and “search for things” capabilities. If they can actually deliver on the promise of AI agents that reliably complete multi-step tasks, it could fundamentally change how people interact with their computers.

But the big question remains: will this actually work well enough that people trust it with important tasks? Or will it be another “Clippy” moment where the technology isn’t quite ready for prime time? Getting it into Insider hands now is the right move – better to work out the kinks with willing testers before pushing it to billions of users.