Microsoft has unveiled the KB5101684 preview cumulative update for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, introducing a comprehensive suite of 42 bug fixes along with various enhancements to the operating system. This update is part of the company’s optional non-security preview update schedule, which aims to test new fixes and features ahead of the upcoming Patch Tuesday.
Unlike the regular Patch Tuesday updates, these monthly non-security previews do not include any security updates and are entirely optional for users.
To install the KB5101684 update, users can navigate to Settings, select Windows Update, and click on Check for Updates. As this is an optional update, users will be prompted to choose whether to install it by clicking the “Download and install” link unless they have enabled the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” option, which allows for automatic installation.
Source: BleepingComputer
Windows 11 KB5101684 highlights
Upon installation, the KB5101684 update will elevate Windows 11 24H2 systems to build 26100.8973 and Windows 11 25H2 to build 26200.8973. This July 2026 preview update addresses several issues, including:
- Resolutions for File History backups that were failing due to false invalid credential errors.
- Fixes for newly enrolled devices that incorrectly remained in a noncompliant state.
- Corrections for files on DFS mapped drives that were mistakenly marked as originating from the Internet.
In addition to bug fixes, Microsoft is gradually rolling out several new features, including:
- Enhanced navigation in File Explorer.
- More accurate file size indicators (KB, MB, GB).
- Improved search results for misspelled or partial app names.
- New precision touchpad controls for scrolling and zooming.
One of the standout features is the introduction of Voice Isolation support for Voice Access, which enhances speech recognition by filtering out background noise and other speakers. Users can opt to eliminate only non-speech sounds or disable filtering altogether.
Furthermore, Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security is expanding to include supported external fingerprint readers, allowing users to leverage compatible peripheral sensors for more secure authentication.
The following features are being rolled out immediately to all Windows 11 users:
- Secure Boot
- This update enhances device targeting data, increasing the number of devices eligible to receive new Secure Boot certificates automatically.
- App Stability
- Improvements to the stability of Office applications in virtualized environments.
- File Explorer Improvements
- Resolves issues where files on DFS mapped drives were incorrectly treated as Internet-originating.
- Mobile Device Management (MDM)
- Fixes for newly provisioned or recovered Windows devices that remained in a noncompliant state after MDM enrollment.
- Storage Enhancements
- Resolves issues affecting File History backups to network shares using SMB.
Additional features rolling out post-update include:
- File Explorer
- File sizes now display in appropriate units (KB, MB, GB).
- Support for middle-clicking to open folders in new tabs.
- Improvements to the appearance of file thumbnails in the Recommended section.
- Windows Search
- Enhanced app search for better handling of typos and partial names.
- Voice Access
- Introduction of Voice Isolation to improve voice recognition.
- Korean language support added for voice access.
- Widgets
- Taskbar notification badges now utilize the Windows accent color.
- Touchpad Controls
- New gesture controls for precision touchpads.
- Start Menu
- Improvements to the reliability of Start menu view preferences.
- Voice Typing
- Fluid dictation is now off by default for new users.
- General Reliability
- Enhancements to explorer.exe reliability and improvements to the Windows sign-in and lock screens.
Microsoft has reported no known issues with this update, and the full release notes for KB5101684 can be accessed in the support bulletin.
