Microsoft Releases Windows 11 KB5101684 Preview Update With 42 Fixes and Improvements

Microsoft has released the KB5101684 preview update for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, bringing a broad package of fixes, performance improvements and new features to eligible PCs.

The non-security update, released on July 28, 2026, includes improvements across File Explorer, Windows Search, Voice Access, Windows Hello, the Start menu, touchpad controls, power settings, networking and system reliability.

42 changes and fixes

The update addresses 42 changes and fixes, with several aimed at improving everyday Windows 11 performance and usability.

Among the File Explorer improvements, Microsoft has updated file-size displays to use appropriate units such as KB, MB and GB. Users can also middle-click folders in the Address Bar and Home page to open them in a new tab.

Microsoft has also addressed issues involving unexpected scrolling, grey flashes and the appearance of file thumbnails in File Explorer.

Improved Windows Search and Voice Access

KB5101684 improves Windows Search by making it better at recognising typos and partial application names when users search for installed apps. It also improves the relevance of Settings results.

For accessibility, Voice Access receives a notable upgrade with Voice Isolation, which is designed to reduce background noise and interference from other speakers. The update also adds Korean language support to Voice Access.

Windows Hello gets expanded fingerprint support

One of the more significant additions is expanded support for Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security (ESS).

Compatible peripheral fingerprint sensors can now be used with ESS, extending the secure sign-in feature beyond PCs with built-in fingerprint readers. Users can configure supported devices through Windows 11’s Sign-in options.

Touchpad, power and accessibility improvements

The update introduces new controls for precision touchpads, including adjustments for scroll and zoom speed and accelerated scrolling.

Microsoft has also improved power-setting reliability, ensuring changes made in Settings are consistently applied across power plans. The update restores the ability to set a threshold for when Energy Saver activates.

For users who rely on Magnifier on touch-enabled devices, the update changes the default behaviour of the horizontal and vertical touch bars to reduce obstruction of magnified content.

AI and Windows features

On supported Copilot+ PCs, KB5101684 allows users to remove the Image Generation AI component where it is installed.

The update also brings changes to Windows Widgets, the taskbar, Start menu, Voice Typing, Windows Update and other system components.

Microsoft has additionally included improvements to DHCP renewals, IPPS printing performance, clipboard reliability in Remote Desktop and Azure Virtual Desktop environments, and overall explorer.exe reliability.

How to install KB5101684

KB5101684 is available through Windows Update for compatible Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 devices.

Because this is a preview, non-security update, users who prefer to wait for the next regular monthly release can choose not to install it immediately.

Microsoft says it is currently not aware of any known issues with the update.

The KB5101684 release is part of Microsoft’s ongoing effort to improve Windows 11 stability, accessibility, performance and everyday usability ahead of future updates.