KB5101684: the August update is already rolling out
Microsoft has begun distributing the preview of its August update for Windows 11, a package that will reach all devices next Tuesday 11 August with the monthly Patch Tuesday. Under the identifier KB5101684 (builds 26200.8973 and 26100.8973, for versions 24H2 and 25H2), the release doesn’t boast a single flagship feature, but dozens of improvements across the whole system: from a more legible File Explorer to voice isolation for Voice Access, through a long-requested novelty, the possibility of uninstalling artificial intelligence components on Copilot+ PCs.
As usual, the rollout is gradual and availability varies by region, hardware and configuration; in some European countries certain features take longer to arrive due to regulatory requirements.
A smarter File Explorer and search
The File Explorer receives several very welcome usability tweaks. In the details view, file sizes are shown with appropriate units (KB, MB or GB) instead of expressing everything in kilobytes, and you can open a folder in a new tab with the middle mouse button from the address bar and the home page. It also fixes a grey flicker when loading the home page and the jump that made the view scroll up without reason, and the thumbnails in the Recommended section look sharper.
Windows Search becomes more tolerant of errors: it recognises partial names and typos better when searching for apps, supports two-character queries and improves result ranking inside the Settings app, which prioritises the most relevant options.
Windows Hello extends to external fingerprints
Windows Hello makes the leap to external fingerprint readers: login with enhanced security (ESS) now supports compatible peripherals, so desktops without a built-in sensor can authenticate with maximum protection. The difference compared to the standard system is important: instead of encrypting biometric data, ESS isolates it in a secure memory space, out of reach of the operating system. The option is activated from Settings, under Accounts, sign-in options.
AI, under user control
The measure that will generate the most headlines is the possibility of uninstalling the AI image-generation model on Copilot+ devices from Settings, System, AI Components. Artificial intelligence integration has been one of the most debated aspects of Windows 11, and although a master switch to completely disable AI still doesn’t exist, this move represents a first step towards returning control to the user. The same update also adds the parental control notice in the installer and renews the account menu, which shows at a glance the subscription plan, its benefits and the space used on OneDrive.
Voice, gestures and accessibility
Voice Access incorporates voice isolation, a feature that filters background noise and nearby conversations to improve recognition, and which requires a one-off voice setup the first time. Alongside it come two additional modes: one that only removes noises like keyboards or doors and another with no filter at all. Voice dictation disables fluent dictation by default for new users and includes a small guide the first time it’s used. Touchpads gain options such as adjusting the base speed of scrolling and zoom gestures or enabling accelerated scrolling, and the Magnifier no longer shows by default the touch bars that covered the content.
Power, widgets and small details
On power, the screen time, sleep and lid-close settings are now applied automatically to all plans, and the ability to configure the battery-saver battery percentage returns. Windows Update improves its progress estimates and the post-installation cleanup process, and the lock screen is simplified: new users will only see the weather widget by default, while the taskbar notification badges adopt the system’s accent colour instead of the previous red.
Overall, the August update is the kind of release that polishes the daily experience without forcing anyone to relearn the system. For those who want to try it out calmly, the recommendation is to wait a few days after the 11 August Patch Tuesday and let Microsoft fix any early issues before installing it on your main device.
