microsoft has released the KB5101684 optional cumulative preview update for windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, which contain 42 bug fixes along with new features, according to Microsoft’s release notes. The update bumps 24H2 systems to build 26100.8973 and 25H2 systems to build 26200.8973.
As an optional non-security preview update, it is not installed automatically unless the user has enabled the latest updates option and displays a preview of the changes that will be made in the August Patch Tuesday release.
Microsoft says there are currently no known issues with the update.
Immediate fixes and gradual implementation
Several fixes are available to all users immediately.
A File Explorer fix addresses an issue where files stored on a DFS mapped drive could be incorrectly treated as originating from the Internet after a device was booted while disconnected from the network and then reconnected. This could cause the Preview Panel to display a warning that the file could damage your computer or apply an unexpected Web Flag to the copied files.
A mobile device management solution addresses an issue affecting newly provisioned or recovered Windows devices running versions released on or after July 14, 2026 (KB5101650). After enrollment in an MDM service such as Microsoft Intune, affected devices could remain in an incorrect non-compliant state and be unable to access corporate resources.
A storage solution resolves automatic File History backups to network shares over SMB failing with a false “invalid credentials” error. The update also includes additional Secure Boot device target data and improves the stability of Office applications in virtualized environments.
Various features will be available gradually after installation.
Voice Access adds voice isolation, which reduces interference from other speakers and background noise. There are three modes available in Voice Access settings and then Improve speech recognition:
- Voice isolation, which filters out other speakers and background noise and requires a unique voice setting;
- Remove only background noise, which filters out non-speech sounds without configuration;
- No filtering, which uses the default microphone input.
The update also adds Korean language support for Voice Access and improves reliability when launching the feature.
Windows Hello’s enhanced sign-in security now supports peripheral fingerprint sensors, extending the secure sign-in option beyond devices with built-in sensors to desktops and other Windows 11 PCs, including Copilot+ PCs.
Users connect a compatible ESS fingerprint reader and sign in through Settings, then Accounts, then Sign-in Options. Microsoft notes that this feature was previously revealed in January 2026 (KB5074105) and is now starting to roll out.
The update also allows users to remove the Image Generation AI component from compatible Copilot+ PCs where it is installed.
File explorer, search and interface changes
In the Details view of File Explorer, file sizes are now displayed in the appropriate units (KB, MB, GB) instead of just kilobytes. Middle-clicking to open a folder in a new tab is now supported in the address bar and on the home page. The update eliminates a gray flash on loading and an unexpected scroll to the top of the home page, and improves the quality of the thumbnails in the Recommended section.
Windows Search handles typos and partial app names better, and displays more relevant settings results higher up. New touchpad precision gesture controls in Settings, then Bluetooth & devices, then Touchpad, allow adjustment of scroll and zoom speed and enable accelerated scrolling.
Other interface changes include taskbar notification badges that use the Windows accent color instead of red, weather set as the only default lock screen widget for new users, a redesigned Start menu, account control with a subscription status badge, fluid dictation disabled by default in voice typing, and a parental controls prompt added during Windows setup.
The update improves the reliability of power settings by applying screen toggles, sleep, hibernation, power button, sleep button, and lid close to all power plans, and restores the power saving threshold settings in Settings, then System, then Power & Battery.
Improves Windows Update progress calculation and post-update cleanup, dark mode system sounds, and daylight saving time accuracy for Beirut, Casablanca, Jerusalem, and Nuuk time zones.
Additional fixes cover DHCP refresh reliability, IPPS printing performance, clipboard reliability in Remote Desktop and Azure Virtual Desktop scenarios, and overall explorer.exe reliability.
How to install KB5101684
Since this is an optional preview update, you must select it manually unless automatic installation is enabled:
- Open Settings, select Windows Update, and click “Check for updates.”
- On KB5101684, click “Download and install” to begin, unless the “Get the latest updates as soon as they are available” option is enabled, which installs them automatically.
- Alternatively, download the standalone package from the Microsoft Update Catalog to perform manual installation.
- Reboot when prompted to complete the update to build 26100.8973 (24H2) or 26200.8973 (25H2).
KB5101684 is now available as an optional preview for Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2. Some features are available immediately, while others will be enabled gradually through a phased rollout.
Not all changes will appear on your device immediately after installation. As an optional non-security update, you can skip it; All fixes and included features are expected to be released to all users in the August Patch Tuesday cumulative update.
