Microsoft released its July 2026 preview update for Windows 11 on July 22, delivering a broad set of quality-of-life improvements to Insiders in the Release Preview Channel. The update, labeled KB5101684, advances 24H2 systems to build 26100.8968 and 25H2 systems to build 26200.8968.
File Explorer receives the most visible changes. File sizes in details view now display in megabytes or gigabytes instead of showing thousands of kilobytes, a small fix that eliminates a long-standing readability annoyance. Middle-clicking a folder opens it in a new tab, matching browser behavior that users have expected for years. The Recommended section also gets improved preview displays.
Windows Search gains the ability to find files named with just two characters, previously, searches for short filenames often returned no results. The search engine also now handles incomplete spellings and typo-tolerant queries, surfacing the correct app even when the user misspells the name.
Voice Access users get a new Voice Isolation feature that filters out background noise during voice commands, with the option to identify and suppress other voices in the same room. The feature is designed for noisy environments where voice control has historically been unreliable.
Precision touchpad users gain new customization settings for scroll and zoom speeds, addressing a common complaint that Windows trackpads lack the granular adjustment options found on macOS. The Start menu account section now displays current Microsoft subscription status, and keyboard navigation through the menu has been improved.
Power settings restore the ability to set a custom battery level at which the system switches to power-saving mode, a feature that had been removed in earlier builds and made its way back following user feedback. On the lock screen, the default widget set for new users has been trimmed to show only the weather widget, reducing clutter.
As a Release Preview build, KB5101684 previews changes expected to reach production PCs through a future optional non-security update. Windows Insiders can install it through Windows Update by enrolling in the Release Preview Channel.
Sources: Windows 11 July preview update brings a batch of new features and fixes (PCWorld, Jul 22, 2026); KB5101684 updates Windows 11 to builds 26100.8968 and 26200.8968 (WindowsForum, Jul 22, 2026)