Microsoft is expected to release the Windows 11 August 2026 Security Update in Tuesday, August 11, 2026. In this eighth month of the year, the software giant is rolling out several new features, improvements to existing features, and fixes.
In this quality update, Microsoft will introduce new features, including Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-In Security (ESS) support, the ability to uninstall AI Copilot+ PC models, touchpad gestures, voice isolation for Voice Access, Fluent dictation for voice writingand more.
There are also improvements to File Explorer, Windows Search, widgets, Windows Update, power and battery, sounds, and more.
Additionally, Microsoft is updating the interface for the Account control side menu in it Start menuThe Windows installation experience now includes a parental control prompt, and the list goes on.
on this guideI will highlight the most significant changes in the August 2026 security update for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2, since they are both identical.
New Windows 11 features will arrive in August
As usual, the company uses Controlled Feature Deployment (CFR) new improvements are rolled out gradually, so it may take some time before you see them.
Changes to File Explorer
Although the updated version of File Explorer doesn’t feature flashy features, the development team is making some valuable improvements.
First, when using the “Details” view, file sizes now display the appropriate units (such as KB, MB, and GB), rather than displaying each value in kilobytes.
It is now possible to use middle click to open a folder in a new tab from the address bar and home page.
Other improvements to the home page include a gray flash error when loading and scrolling, and the thumbnails in the Recommended section now appear in better quality.
Windows Search Settings
Starting with the August update, Windows Search now includes improvements to better handle typos and can start searches with two-character queries.
When searching for applications, Windows Search improves recognition of partial names and typos. Additionally, in the Settings app, the search ranking has been updated to show more relevant options in a higher position.
Windows Support Hello
In this update, Microsoft offers Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security (ESS) support for external fingerprint sensors.
In short, standard Windows Hello encrypts login data. However, enhanced security support goes a step further by isolating the biometric process in a secure memory space, away from the operating system.
The option is available through Settings > Accounts > Login options.
In the past, this feature was only available for devices with built-in sensors, such as Copilot+ PCs, but will now be available for external peripherals.
AI Model Uninstall Option
Although adding the ability to uninstall something from the operating system is not a new feature, Microsoft now allows users to uninstall Image Generation. AI model of Settings > System > AI components.
And this is a big problem, because one of the biggest complaints about windows 11 has been the integration of AI functions. While supported devices do not yet have a master switch to completely disable AI in Windows 11, this is a small step in the right direction.
On the lock screen, the experience should now be less distracting, as now, by default, users will only see the weather widget.
Additionally, notification badges in the taskbar will now take on the current accent color instead of the previous red indicator.
New touchpad gestures
After installing the August update, in Settings > bluetooth & devices > Touch panelUsers will be able to customize the speed of scroll and zoom gestures.
Additionally, there is a new option to enable accelerated scrolling, which is a feature that increases scrolling speed as gestures are repeated.
Writing and voice access
In Voice Typing, Microsoft now disables fluent dictation by default and integrates tooltips to help users understand how the feature works.
Voice Access now comes with Voice Isolation that improves speech recognition by filtering out background noise and noise from other speakers.
In addition, the company makes three voice recognition configurations available. Settings > Voice access > Improve speech recognition.
He “Voice isolation” The option requires a unique voice setting and filters out both background noise and nearby conversations.
Users will also find the “Remove only background noise” The mode suppresses sounds such as typing or closing doors without additional configuration.
Finally, the “Unfiltered” The mode uses the microphone input without any processing.
Redesign of account control
The side menu that appears when you click the profile button in the Start menu is known as the Account Control interface, and in this version, Microsoft is adding some design changes.
The changes aim to make it more modern and clear. For example, the new design adds a new badge to quickly understand the plan and current status. Additionally, it gives users access to their plan benefits as well as other information, such as storage usage. OneDrive.
Power and battery
In this release, the company makes changes to the way power settings are applied to the system.
According to Microsoft, customizations made to screen timeouts, sleep and hibernation timers, and laptop lid actions are now automatically applied to each power plan instead of just the active one.
Finally, the ability to set the battery percentage for “Power Saving” returns to the “Power & Battery” settings.
Windows Update Improvements
Microsoft continues to improve the update system, and this time Windows Update will provide more accurate progress estimates during updates.
Additionally, the company is updating the cleaning process after installing updates to improve system performance.
System sound in dark mode
After installing this Patch Tuesday update, users should also notice improvements to system sounds in dark mode.
Windows Central’s opinion
From my point of view, this is the kind of Windows 11 update I like to see. It doesn’t rely on one flashy title feature, but rather focuses on polishing the experience in dozens of small ways. Improvements to File Explorer, Windows Search, Windows Update, touchpad gestures, and power management won’t generate much excitement, but they’re the kind of changes that make the operating system feel more refined day after day.
I also think Microsoft’s decision to allow users to uninstall the Image Generation AI model is an important step, albeit a modest one. People have been asking for more control over AI functions, and while this isn’t a universal change to eliminate AI, it shows that Microsoft is at least acknowledging those concerns. I would like to see the company continue in that direction by offering users even more options about which AI components are installed.
As with every Patch Tuesday release, I recommend waiting a few days before installing the update on your main computer, unless you need the latest security fixes right away. Monthly updates occasionally introduce unexpected issues, and giving Microsoft a little time to address early reports has rarely been a bad strategy.
What do you think about the Windows 11 August 2026 Update? What new feature or improvement are you most looking forward to? Let me know in the comments.
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