Microsoft has released the optional July 2026 preview update KB5101684 for Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2. The most significant improvement in this patch is a performance boost for Windows 11’s Start menu and taskbar, but how much of a difference you’ll actually notice will depend on the age and hardware of your PC.
Update KB5101684 also introduces usability improvements to File Explorer, like displaying file sizes in MBs and GBs instead of just KBs, which better reflects file sizes at a glance. Windows Search is also improved, with better performance and results when finding the files you’re looking for—even with search terms containing typos.
The long-running issue of the Secure Boot certificate rollout is not overlooked by this optional update either: KB5101684 finally provides updated certificates for more computers.
How to install update KB5101684
Update KB5101684 is a preview update, so it’s entirely optional for Windows 11 users. Microsoft will eventually roll it out to all users on Patch Tuesday in August. If you want it now, you’ll have to get it manually.
To do that, navigate to the Settings apps → Windows Update. Toggle the setting called “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” to “On.” Then, click on “Check for updates” and wait for the update check to complete. Navigate to “Advanced options” → “Optional updates,” where you should now see KB5101684. Install it there. Alternatively, you can download the update via the Microsoft Update Catalog.
After installing KB5101684, Windows 11 25H2 will have build number 26200.8973 and Windows 11 24H2 will have build number 26100.8973. You can find the full changelog for this update here.
By the way: If you’re using Windows 11 Home, you’re missing out on the many benefits of Windows 11 Pro. To learn more, see our comparison of Windows 11 Home and Pro. If you want to upgrade, snag it for cheap in the PCWorld Software Store: now just $59 instead of $99.
