Microsoft has rolled out cumulative updates KB512103 and KB5120240 for Windows 11 versions 25H2, 24H2, and 23H2. These updates are essential, addressing security vulnerabilities, bugs, and introducing new features. Notably, they include the August 2026 Patch Tuesday security patches, which tackle 400 vulnerabilities identified in previous months.
Users can easily install the latest updates by navigating to Start > Settings > Windows Update and selecting ‘Check for Updates’. Alternatively, the updates can be manually downloaded from the Microsoft Update Catalog.
This marks the eighth ‘Patch Tuesday’ release of 2026, and since it is based on version 24H2, users of version 25H2 will receive identical updates. There are no exclusive changes for either version, ensuring a uniform experience across both.
What’s new in the August 2026 Patch Tuesday update
The latest update enhances Windows Search capabilities, particularly in handling typos, while also implementing various performance-related improvements. However, many of these changes may not be immediately visible to users.
Here’s a comprehensive overview of the enhancements and fixes:
- File Explorer
- File sizes in the Details view now display in appropriate units (KB, MB, GB), enhancing readability.
- Middle-click functionality for opening folders in new tabs is now supported in the Address Bar and Home page, streamlining navigation.
- The update resolves a grey flash during loading and prevents unexpected scrolling to the top on the Home page in certain scenarios.
- File thumbnails in the Recommended section on the Home page have been improved for better clarity.
- Windows Search
- App search has been enhanced to better accommodate typos and partial names.
- Settings relevance has been improved, surfacing more useful settings higher in search results.
- Voice Access
- New! Voice Isolation has been added to improve recognition by minimizing background noise and interference. Users can choose from three speed recognition modes in the settings.
- New! Korean language support for Voice Access has been introduced.
- Reliability improvements have been made for initiating Voice Access.
- Widgets
- New! Taskbar notification badges now reflect the Windows accent color instead of a red alert, reducing visual distractions.
- New! The Lock screen Widgets experience has been simplified, with Weather being the only default widget for new users.
- Start Menu
- The reliability of Start menu view preferences has been improved, ensuring user selections are retained.
- Keyboard navigation has been enhanced when focus is set to the apps list within the Start menu.
- Windows Hello
- New! Enhanced Sign-in Security (ESS) now supports peripheral fingerprint sensors, broadening secure sign-in options for various devices.
- Power and Battery
- Reliability of power settings has been improved, ensuring consistency across all power plans.
- The ability to set a threshold for energy saver activation has been restored.
- Accessibility
- Magnifier experience on touch devices has been enhanced, with touch bars now off by default to avoid obstructing content.
As of now, Microsoft has not reported any new issues related to this month’s Patch Tuesday updates. Should any significant problems arise, further updates will be provided.
