Microsoft has released KB5101684 According to Microsoft’s release notes, the Optional Preview cumulative update for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, which includes 42 bug fixes along with new features. The update increases the 24H2 system to form 26100.8973 and the 25H2 system to form 26200.8973.
As an optional non-security preview update, it is not installed automatically unless the user has enabled the latest-updates option, and it previews changes coming in the August Patch Tuesday release.
Microsoft says there are no known issues with the update at this time.
Immediate fixes and gradual rollout
Many improvements are available immediately for all users.
File Explorer Fix Addresses an issue where files stored on a DFS mapped drive may be incorrectly considered to be originating from the Internet after the device is disconnected from the network and then restarted when reconnected. This may cause the preview pane to display a warning that the file may harm the computer, or apply unexpected web markings to copied files.
A mobile device management fix addresses an issue affecting newly provisioned or recovered Windows devices running versions released on or after July 14, 2026 (KB5101650). After enrolling in an MDM service such as Microsoft Intune, affected devices may remain in the incorrect non-compliant state and be unable to access corporate resources.
A storage fix causes file history automatic backups to fail for network shares over SMB with an incorrect “Invalid Credentials” error. The update also includes additional Secure Boot device targeting data and improves the stability of Office applications in virtualized environments.
After installation many facilities will gradually become available.
Voice Access adds voice isolation, which reduces interference and background noise from other speakers. There are three modes available under Voice Access settings, then Improve speech recognition:
- Voice Isolation, which filters out other speakers and background noise and requires one-time voice setup;
- Remove background noise only, which filters out non-speech sounds without setup;
- No filtering, uses the default microphone input.
The update also adds Korean language support for Voice Access and improves the reliability of launching the feature.
Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security now supports peripheral fingerprint sensors, extending the Secure Sign-in option beyond devices with built-in sensors to other Windows 11 PCs, including desktops and CoPilot+ PCs.
Users plug in a supported ESS fingerprint reader and enroll via Settings, then Accounts, then Sign-in options. Microsoft notes that this feature was previously disclosed in January 2026 (KB5074105) and is now starting to be implemented.
This update also allows users to remove the Image Generation AI component from supported CoPilot+ PCs where it is installed.
File Explorer, Search and Interface Changes
In File Explorer’s details view, file sizes are now displayed in the appropriate units (KB, MB, GB) instead of just kilobytes. Middle-click to open a folder in a new tab is now supported in the address bar and home page. The update eliminates the gray flash on load and unexpected scrolling at the top of the home page, and improves thumbnail quality in the Recommended section.
Windows Search handles typos and partial app names better, and surfaces more relevant Settings results better. The new Precise Touchpad Gesture Control in Settings, then Bluetooth & Devices, then Touchpad, allows adjustment of scroll and zoom speeds and enables quick scrolling.
Other interface changes include taskbar notification badges using the Windows accent color instead of red, setting Weather as the only default lock screen widget for new users, a redesigned Start menu with a subscription status badge, Account Controls, turning off Fluid Dictation by default in voice typing, and adding a Parental Controls notice during Windows setup.
The update improves the reliability of power settings by applying Display, Sleep, Hibernate, Power button, Sleep button, and lid-close changes to all power plans, and restores the Energy Saver Threshold setting under Settings, then System, then Power & Battery.
It improves Windows update progress calculations and post-update cleanup, system sound in dark mode, and daylight saving time accuracy for Beirut, Casablanca, Jerusalem, and Nuuk time zones.
Additional improvements include DHCP renewal reliability, IPPS print performance, clipboard reliability in Remote Desktop and Azure Virtual Desktop scenarios, and general explorer.exe reliability.
How to install KB5101684
Since this is an optional preview update, you will have to select it manually unless automatic installation is enabled:
- Open Settings, select Windows Update and click “Check for updates.”
- Under KB5101684, click “Download and Install” to get started, unless the “Get the latest updates as they become available” option is enabled, which installs it automatically.
- Alternatively, download the standalone package from the Microsoft Update Catalog for manual installation.
- Restart 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.
All changes will not be visible on your device right after installation. As an optional non-security update, you can skip it; All included fixes and features are expected to be released to all users in the August Patch Tuesday cumulative update.
Thanks for being a Ghax reader. The post Microsoft releases Windows 11 KB5101684 preview update with 42 fixes appeared first on gHacks.
