Microsoft has started rolling out Windows 11 KB5101684, the July 2026 optional Preview update for Windows 11 version 24H2 (Build 26100.8973) and version 25H2 (Build 26200.8973). While it doesn’t include security fixes, KB5101684 introduces several practical improvements across Windows 11. File Explorer becomes easier to use, Windows Search is more accurate, Windows Hello supports more devices, and Microsoft has resolved a number of reliability issues throughout the operating system.
Microsoft also addressed several long-standing issues affecting File History, File Explorer, networking, printing, and overall system stability while also introducing quality-of-life improvements such as better file size indicators, smarter search results, and expanded support for secure biometric sign-in. If you’re wondering what’s new in Windows 11 KB5101684 and whether it’s worth installing, here’s everything you need to know.
Windows 11 KB5101684 at a Glance
| Update | Details |
|---|---|
| KB Number | KB5101684 |
| Release | July 2026 Preview Update |
| Windows Versions | 24H2 and 25H2 |
| Build Numbers | 26100.8973 / 26200.8973 |
| Security Fixes | No |
| Rollout | Gradual |
| Installation | Optional |
What’s New in Windows 11 KB5101684
Windows 11 KB5101684 is a quality-focused Preview update that improves several parts of the operating system. Instead of introducing major new features, Microsoft has refined existing Windows components, added a few useful capabilities, and fixed several bugs that affect everyday use. Some features are being rolled out gradually through Microsoft’s controlled feature rollout. As a result, two PCs running the same Windows 11 version may not receive every new feature at the same time.
Here are the most notable changes included in KB5101684:
- File Explorer improvements: Open folders in a new tab with a middle-mouse click, view file sizes with appropriate units (KB, MB, or GB), enjoy clearer file thumbnails, and benefit from improved File Explorer reliability.
- Smarter Windows Search: Search now does a better job of finding apps and settings even when you type only part of the name or make a spelling mistake.
- Voice Access enhancements: The new Voice Isolation feature reduces background noise and nearby conversations for more accurate speech recognition. Voice Access also adds support for the Korean language.
- Expanded Windows Hello support: Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security (ESS) now works with supported external fingerprint readers, allowing more desktop PCs and compatible devices to use secure biometric sign-in.
- New precision touchpad controls: Adjust scrolling and zoom sensitivity, and use accelerated scrolling to move through long webpages and documents more quickly.
- Better system reliability: The update resolves issues affecting File History, DFS-mapped network drives, printing, networking, Remote Desktop, power settings, Windows Update, and other core Windows components.
File Explorer Becomes Easier to Use
If you spend a lot of time managing files, you’ll notice several welcome improvements in File Explorer after installing KB5101684. While the interface looks the same, Microsoft has refined several everyday features to make browsing folders and working with files more convenient.
Some of the notable changes include:
- Middle-click support for folders: Open a folder in a new tab by clicking the mouse wheel, similar to opening browser tabs.
- More accurate file size units: File sizes are now displayed using the most appropriate unit, such as KB, MB, or GB, making them easier to read.
- Better file thumbnails: The Home page shows clearer thumbnails for recommended files, helping you identify recently opened documents more quickly.
- Improved reliability: Microsoft fixed several issues affecting scrolling, Jump Lists, recent files, file sharing, Task View, and switching between virtual desktops.
These aren’t major new features, but they make File Explorer feel more polished and reliable for everyday use.
Windows Search Becomes More Accurate
Finding apps and Windows settings should feel more reliable after installing KB5101684. Microsoft has improved how Windows Search understands your queries, even when you make a spelling mistake or don’t remember the exact app name.
Some of the key improvements include:
- Better typo recognition: Search can now recognize common spelling mistakes, helping you find apps even if you don’t type the exact name.
- Improved partial searches: Typing only part of an app or setting name is more likely to return the correct result.
- More relevant Settings results: Windows Search does a better job of matching your query with the correct Settings page instead of showing unrelated results.
These changes may seem small, but they remove much of the frustration users experience when Windows Search fails to find the app or setting they’re looking for. If you rely on Search to launch apps or change system settings, you should notice more accurate results after installing KB5101684.
Voice Access and Windows Hello Get Useful Upgrades
The update also brings a few useful improvements for accessibility and account security. While they won’t affect every Windows 11 user, they’re valuable additions for people who rely on Voice Access or Windows Hello every day.
Voice Access improvements
Microsoft introduces Voice Isolation, a feature designed to improve voice command accuracy by reducing unwanted background noise.
Highlights include:
- Filters background noise to improve speech recognition.
- Reduces interference from nearby conversations.
- Provides more accurate voice commands in busy environments such as offices or shared spaces.
- Adds support for the Korean language, making Voice Access available to more users.
Windows Hello enhancements
Microsoft is also expanding Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security (ESS) to supported external fingerprint readers.
This means:
- Desktop PCs can now use compatible external fingerprint readers with ESS.
- Biometric sign-in becomes more secure with hardware-backed protection.
- More Windows 11 devices can take advantage of passwordless authentication without requiring a built-in fingerprint sensor.
- Microsoft also allows supported Copilot+ PCs to remove the Image Generation AI component if it is no longer needed, giving users more control over installed AI features.
While these updates won’t affect every user, they make Windows 11 more accessible and improve account security for supported devices.
Touchpad Improvements and Important Bug Fixes
Not every improvement in KB5101684 is immediately visible. Microsoft has also fixed several bugs across Windows 11 that improve stability, reliability, and the overall user experience.
New precision touchpad options
If your device has a precision touchpad, you’ll find a few new customization options after installing the update.
New improvements include:
- Accelerated scrolling for moving through long webpages and documents more quickly.
- Adjustable scrolling speed to better match your preference.
- Customizable zoom sensitivity for pinch-to-zoom gestures.
These additions give laptop users more control over how the touchpad responds without requiring third-party software.
Reliability improvements
Microsoft has also resolved a number of issues across Windows 11, including:
- File History: Fixed an issue that could incorrectly report an “invalid credential” error during backups.
- Network drives: Resolved a bug that mistakenly marked files on DFS-mapped drives as files downloaded from the internet.
- Printing: Improved reliability and performance for IPPS printers.
- Networking: Addressed DHCP-related issues that could affect network connectivity on some devices.
- Remote Desktop: Improved clipboard reliability during Remote Desktop and Azure Virtual Desktop sessions.
- Power and Windows Update: Fixed several power-setting issues and improved Windows Update cleanup to help keep the system running efficiently.
- Start menu and taskbar: Improved reliability during startup, particularly on PCs with limited available memory.
- Windows Update: Improved cleanup of outdated update files and more accurate installation progress reporting after updates.
Most users won’t notice these fixes individually, but together they help Windows 11 feel more stable and dependable during everyday use.
Should You Install Windows 11 KB5101684?
If you’re interested in trying new Windows 11 features before they’re released to everyone, KB5101684 is worth considering. It’s also a good choice if you’ve experienced issues with File Explorer, Windows Search, File History, or other components addressed in this update.
On the other hand, if your PC is running smoothly and you prefer maximum stability, there’s no urgency to install this Preview release. Microsoft is expected to include these improvements in a future Patch Tuesday cumulative update, so waiting is a perfectly reasonable option.
How to Download Windows 11 KB5101684
Windows 11 KB5101684 is an optional Preview update, so it won’t install automatically on most PCs. If you want to try the latest improvements before they’re included in the next monthly cumulative update, you can install it manually through Windows Update.
Preview updates give users early access to upcoming improvements before they’re included in the next monthly cumulative update. Installing a Preview update is optional, so most users can safely wait for the next monthly security update if they don’t need these improvements right away.
Follow these steps:
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Select Windows Update.
- (Optional) Turn on Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available if you want to receive optional updates as they are released.
- Click Check for updates.
- When 2026-07 Preview Update (KB5101684) appears, click Download and install.
- Restart your PC to complete the installation.
If Windows Update doesn’t offer the update or you need to install it on multiple computers, you can download the standalone .msu package from the Microsoft Update Catalog.
Note: Because KB5101684 is a Preview release, Microsoft recommends it primarily for users who want early access to new features and bug fixes. If your PC is working normally, you can wait until these improvements are included in the next Patch Tuesday security update.
Final Thoughts
Windows 11 KB5101684 doesn’t introduce headline features, but it does improve many parts of the operating system that people use every day. From File Explorer and Windows Search to Windows Hello and system reliability, this update makes Windows 11 feel a little more polished without changing how it works.
If you like trying new features before they’re widely available, this update is worth a look. Otherwise, you can safely wait for the next monthly cumulative update, which is expected to include these improvements along with the latest security fixes.
