Microsoft has released the Windows 11 KB5101684 Preview update for Windows 11 version 25H2 and version 24H2, bringing OS Builds 26200.8973 and 26100.8973. As an optional non-security preview update, KB5101684 introduces several new features while delivering a long list of quality improvements ahead of next month’s Patch Tuesday release.

The update focuses on improving everyday Windows experiences with Voice Access enhancements, File Explorer refinements, Windows Search improvements, Windows Hello Expanded Sign-in Security (ESS) support for external fingerprint readers, and better performance across the operating system.

Here’s everything that’s new in the Windows 11 KB5101684 Preview update.

Windows 11 KB5101684 introduces Voice Isolation for Voice Access

One of the biggest additions in this release is Voice Isolation, a new speech recognition mode designed to improve Voice Access accuracy by filtering out background conversations and environmental noise.

Users now have three speech recognition modes available:

• Voice Isolation – Filters both background noise and other speakers after a one-time voice setup.
• Remove background noise only – Eliminates non-speech sounds such as typing, fans, or door slams.
• No filtering – Uses the microphone without additional processing.

Voice Access also gains Korean language support and improved startup reliability.

File Explorer receives multiple usability improvements

Microsoft continues polishing File Explorer with several welcome improvements.

Better file size display

File sizes in the Details view now display using appropriate units like:

• KB
• MB
• GB

instead of showing every file size in kilobytes.

Improved tab navigation

Users can now middle-click folders from the Address Bar or Home page to instantly open them in a new tab, matching browser-like behavior.

Home page improvements

Microsoft has also fixed several long-standing annoyances:

• Eliminates occasional gray flashes while loading
• Prevents unexpected scrolling back to the top
• Improves Recommended file thumbnails for better readability

Windows Search becomes smarter

Searching for installed applications is becoming more forgiving.

KB5101684 improves:

• Recognition of typos
• Partial app names
• More relevant Settings search results

This should make finding apps and Windows settings much faster.

Windows Hello ESS now supports external fingerprint readers

Microsoft is expanding Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security (ESS) beyond integrated laptop fingerprint readers.

Supported USB fingerprint readers can now be enrolled through:

Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options

This enables desktops, workstations, and compatible Copilot+ PCs to benefit from the same secure authentication technology.

Widgets receive a cleaner experience

Microsoft is making Widgets less distracting.

Changes include:

• Taskbar widget notification badges now use your Windows accent color instead of bright red.
• New Windows installations now display only the Weather widget on the Lock Screen by default.

Precision touchpads gain new scrolling controls

The update introduces two new touchpad customization options:

• Adjustable scroll and zoom speed
• Accelerated scrolling for moving through long documents faster

These settings can be found under:

Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Touchpad

Start menu becomes more reliable

Microsoft has addressed several Start menu annoyances.

Improvements include:

• Better reliability when remembering your preferred Start layout.
• Improved keyboard navigation inside the Apps list.

The Start menu account control has also been refreshed with a redesigned profile flyout that now displays your Microsoft subscription status.

AI component becomes removable

Owners of supported Copilot+ PCs can now uninstall the Image Generation AI component if they no longer want it installed.

This gives users greater control over installed AI features.

Power, battery, and Windows Update improvements

Microsoft has fixed several long-standing reliability issues.

Power settings now correctly apply across:

• Display timeout
• Sleep
• Hibernate
• Power button behavior
• Lid-close actions

Energy Saver thresholds have also returned.

Windows Update has received:

• More accurate update progress calculation
• Improved cleanup logic after installing updates

These changes should make updates feel faster while reclaiming storage more efficiently.

Additional improvements across Windows 11

KB5101684 also includes numerous quality improvements throughout Windows.

Highlights include:

• Better Magnifier experience on touch devices
• Improved mouse cursor size persistence
• Better dark mode system sounds
• Improved daylight saving time data for multiple regions
• Faster IPPS printer performance
• Improved DHCP renewal reliability
• Better Clipboard reliability in Remote Desktop and Azure Virtual Desktop
• Improved tablet dialog scaling
• Better Unicode rendering for Myanmar Text and Mongolian Baiti fonts
• Parental Controls notice added during Windows setup

Important bug fixes included in KB5101684

Alongside new features, Microsoft has fixed several important issues.

File Explorer

Resolved an issue affecting DFS mapped drives where files could incorrectly receive a Mark of the Web, triggering unnecessary security warnings.

Mobile Device Management

Fixed an issue affecting Windows devices enrolled into Microsoft Intune after installing the July 2026 security update that could incorrectly leave devices marked as non-compliant.

Office applications

Improved stability for Office applications running in virtualized environments.

Secure Boot

Microsoft continues expanding deployment of updated Secure Boot certificates by improving targeting for eligible supported devices.

Storage

Fixed File History automatic backups failing on SMB network shares due to false credential errors.

Should you install KB5101684?

Since KB5101684 is an optional Preview update, it is primarily intended for enthusiasts, Windows Insiders on the Release Preview channel, and IT administrators who want early access to upcoming improvements.

If your PC is running smoothly, waiting for next month’s cumulative Patch Tuesday update may be the safer choice, as these features and fixes will eventually roll out to all supported Windows 11 devices after broader validation.

However, users affected by File Explorer, Voice Access, Windows Hello, MDM enrollment, or SMB backup issues may find installing KB5101684 worthwhile.

Download link

You can download and manually install  Windows 11 update KB5101684 by clicking here. If you need help in understanding how to install these updates manually on your PC, you can refer to our step-by-step noob-friendly tutorial.

Windows 11 KB5101684 Highlights

• OS Builds: 26200.8973 (25H2) and 26100.8973 (24H2)
• New Voice Isolation mode for Voice Access
• Korean language support for Voice Access
• Smarter Windows Search with typo recognition
• Multiple File Explorer improvements
• Windows Hello ESS support for external fingerprint readers
• Removable Image Generation AI component on supported Copilot+ PCs
• New precision touchpad gesture controls
• Improved Widgets, Start menu, Windows Update, Power, Clipboard, and printing
• Fixes for DFS File Explorer warnings, Intune enrollment, SMB File History backups, Office virtualization, and Secure Boot targeting

As with most preview releases, KB5101684 provides an early look at features and fixes expected to become part of the next mandatory cumulative Windows 11 update, while continuing Microsoft’s steady refinement of Windows 11 ahead of future feature releases.

Stay tuned to WinCentral for all latest news about Windows 11 update related news and keep reading our full coverage here.

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