Microsoft is bringing real-time translation to Copilot+ PCs powered by AMD and Intel processors, significantly broadening accessibility on Windows 11.
The update, currently available with Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.2705 on the Dev Channel enables users to generate live English subtitles for audio in over 44 languages.
Initially available on Qualcomm-powered Copilot+ PCs, the feature works with any audio played through a Copilot+ PC and processes all audio locally on the device, ensuring privacy while maintaining its functionality.
On-Device Language Processing
Live translation supports audio from multiple sources, including live video calls, recordings, and streaming platforms like YouTube. In addition to broad language support — including Spanish, French, Chinese, and Arabic — Microsoft is also rolling out unique features for Snapdragon-powered PCs, enabling live translations into Simplified Chinese.
Users can personalize captions and choose display styles, ensuring accessibility for a wider audience. Furthermore, offline functionality ensures live captions remain available without an internet connection.
Microsoft has recently launched several live-translation features across its ecosystem, such as Translator Pro, a mobile app offering real-time speech-to-speech translation for businesses, and an Interpreter feature for Teams.
Microsoft’s advancements in live translation tools date back to 2017 with the PowerPoint Live Presentation Translator, which supported up to 100 participants across 60 languages.
Related: Intel Study: AI PCs Are Falling Short of Expectations
Windows Recall on AMD and Intel Hardware
Beyond the translation feature, Microsoft recently begun insider testing of its controversial Windows Recall feature on all Copilot+ PCs, including those with AMD and Intel CPUs. Recall enables users to revisit specific workflows by taking snapshots of activities, such as opened documents or browser tabs. Integrated with Microsoft 365 apps, this feature allows users to jump back into work efficiently.
Windows Recall’s sensitive information filter is meant to prevent screenshots containing private data—such as Social Security numbers, passwords, and credit card details—from being saved.
Recent evaluations reveal persistent failures in Recall’s ability to block sensitive data, even as Microsoft now broadens its availability to Intel and AMD Copilot+ devices. These shortcomings cast a shadow on the feature’s promise of securely archiving user activity while highlighting the complexities of deploying AI-powered tools.
Related: Copilot+ PCs Get AI Photo Super Resolution, But Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Disappoints on Displays
Recall’s introduction has been very bumpy. Unveiled at Microsoft’s Build conference in May 2024, the feature was positioned as a transformative productivity tool. By capturing periodic screenshots of user activity, Recall allows users to search their digital history using natural language queries such as “budget presentation” or “email draft.”
Initially scheduled for release in June 2024, Recall’s rollout faced repeated delays due to privacy and security concerns. Early iterations of the feature lacked encryption, prompting criticism from privacy advocates and users alike.
Gradual Rollouts and Insider Feedback
The live translation feature and Windows Recall are being gradually released to Windows 11 Insiders in the Dev Channel. According to Microsoft’s Insider blog, “Many features in the Dev Channel are rolled out using Control Feature Rollout technology, starting with a subset of Insiders and ramping up over time as we monitor feedback.”
The updates are part of Microsoft’s broader vision to enhance the Copilot+ ecosystem, a series of AI-powered features designed to integrate seamlessly with Windows 11. From improving accessibility tools like live captions to creating productivity enhancers like Recall, the company continues to invest in AI-driven innovations for its operating system.
