Microsoft is expected to release the Windows 11 August 2026 security update on Tuesday, August 11. This update introduces the option to uninstall the Image Generation AI model, adds Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in security for external fingerprint sensors, and provides new touchpad gestures.
This applies to Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2, which are identical, and also brings updates to File Explorer, Windows Search, Widgets, Power Settings, and Windows Update. Microsoft will deploy these features gradually using controlled feature rollouts.
Due to the phased rollout, some features may not be available immediately after installation.
AI model uninstall and advanced sign-in security
Microsoft is adding an option to uninstall image generation AI models via Settings, then System, then AI Components. Although users still cannot disable all AI features at once, this update allows for the first time to remove a specific AI component.
This update extends Windows Hello enhanced sign-in security to external fingerprint sensors. Standard Windows Hello encrypts sign-in data, while Advanced Sign-in Security isolates biometric processes in a secure memory space separate from the operating system.
Previously, this feature was limited to devices with built-in sensors, such as CoPilot+ PCs. The August update now supports external peripherals. Access this option via Settings, then Accounts, then Sign-in options.
Touchpad, voice access, file explorer and search updates
In Settings, then Bluetooth & devices, then Touchpad, users can adjust scroll and zoom gesture speeds and enable quick scrolling, which speeds up with repeated gestures.
In Voice Typing, Fluid Dictation is now disabled by default, tooltips have been added for clarification. Voice Access has introduced voice isolation to improve speech recognition by filtering out background noise and other speakers.
Under Settings, then Voice Access, then Speech Recognition Improvements, users can choose from three options: Voice Isolation, which requires one-time setup and filters out both background noise and nearby conversations; Remove only background noise, which suppresses sounds like typing or doors closing without setup; And no filtering, which uses the microphone input without processing.
In File Explorer’s details view, file sizes now display proper units like KB, MB, and GB instead of showing each value in kilobytes. Middle-click now opens a folder in a new tab from the address bar and home page. Microsoft also fixed a gray flash bug on loading and scrolling on the home page and improved thumbnail quality in the Recommended section.
Windows Search now handles typos better and supports two-character queries. App search more accurately recognizes partial names and typos, and Settings app search now ranks relevant options higher.
Widgets, Account Control, Power, and Update changes
On the lock screen, only the weather widget will appear by default, which Windows Central says is less distracting. Taskbar notification badges now use the current accent color instead of red.
The Account Controls flyout, accessed by clicking the Profile button in the Start menu, now features a redesigned badge showing the current plan and status, as well as access to information like plan benefits and OneDrive storage usage.
As for power settings, Microsoft says customizations to display timeouts, sleep and hibernate timers, and laptop lid actions are now automatically applied to every power plan instead of just the active one. The ability to configure the battery percentage for Energy Saver is also returning to Power & Battery settings.
Windows Update now provides more accurate progress estimates, and the post-update cleanup process has been improved for better system performance. Users will also see enhanced system sounds in dark mode after installing the update.
How to access new settings and availability
After the update is installed, the main new options are located in these settings:
- To uninstall the Image Generation AI model, open Settings, then System, then AI Components.
- To enable Windows Hello enhanced sign-in security with the external fingerprint sensor, open Settings, then Accounts, then Sign-in Options.
- To set scroll and zoom speeds and enable quick scrolling, open Settings, then Bluetooth & devices, then Touchpad.
- To configure voice isolation and background noise filtering, open Settings, then Voice Access, then Improve speech recognition.
- Open Settings, then Power & Battery, to set the Energy Saver battery percentage, which now applies to all power plans.
The August 2026 security update for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2 is expected on August 11. Microsoft is using controlled feature rollouts, so features will appear gradually rather than all at once, and some may take time to reach a given device.
Windows Central recommends waiting a few days before installing on the primary computer unless security fixes are needed immediately, as monthly updates sometimes introduce unexpected problems.
Thanks for being a Ghax reader. The post Windows 11 August 2026 Update adds AI model uninstall, Windows Hello ESS for external sensors, and touchpad gestures appeared first on GHacks.
