Windows 11 gets a 42-fix preview update with quieter alerts and better voice control

Key points

• Microsoft released the optional KB5101684 preview update for Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 with 42 fixes and feature tweaks.
• The update takes 24H2 systems to build 26100.8973 and 25H2 systems to build 26200.8973.
• It fixes File History backups failing over network shares with a false "invalid credentials" error, and files on DFS drives being wrongly flagged as coming from the internet.
• New work laptops that were stuck showing as "noncompliant" after enrolling in Microsoft Intune can now access corporate resources again.
• Voice Access gains a Voice Isolation mode that filters out other speakers and background noise, and Windows Hello's Enhanced Sign-in Security now works with plug-in fingerprint readers.

Microsoft has pushed out KB5101684, an optional preview update for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2. It bundles 42 fixes and a batch of feature changes that will trickle out to users over the coming weeks.

This one is not a security patch. Microsoft ships these end-of-month previews to test what will land in the following month's Patch Tuesday, the monthly security release. You only get it if you go looking for it, or if you have already ticked the box to receive the latest updates as soon as they arrive.

The update was first flagged by BleepingComputer. After installing, 24H2 machines move to build 26100.8973 and 25H2 machines to 26200.8973.

What actually gets fixed?

Three bugs stand out because they were quietly breaking real work. File History, the built-in tool that copies your files to a backup drive, was refusing to save to network shares and throwing a false "invalid credentials" error. That is now fixed.

On corporate networks that use DFS, a system that lets one drive letter point at files stored on many servers, Windows was sometimes tagging those files as if they had been downloaded from the internet. That triggered scary warnings in File Explorer's Preview Pane and blocked opens. Fixed.

And new work laptops enrolled in Microsoft Intune, the tool IT teams use to manage company devices, were getting stuck in a "noncompliant" state. That meant staff could not reach corporate email or files on day one. Also fixed.

What is new for everyday users?

File Explorer finally shows file sizes in sensible units. Instead of everything being listed in kilobytes, you now see KB, MB and GB where they make sense. Middle-clicking a folder opens it in a new tab. The Home page no longer flashes grey on load.

Voice Access, the feature that lets you control the PC by speaking, gains a Voice Isolation mode. It filters out other people talking and background noise like typing or a slamming door. Korean language support is added too.

Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security, which keeps your fingerprint data locked away from the rest of the operating system, now works with supported external fingerprint readers. Before, it was limited to laptops with the sensor built in. Desktop users, including Copilot+ PCs, can plug in a compatible reader and set it up under Settings, Accounts, Sign in options.

Smaller touches: taskbar notification badges now match your Windows accent colour instead of glaring red. New precision touchpad gestures let you tune scroll and zoom speed. Fluid dictation is off by default for new users.

Should I install it now?

Probably not in a hurry. Preview updates carry no security fixes and can occasionally introduce new bugs of their own. The bundled fixes will land for everyone in the November Patch Tuesday release, which will include the month's security patches too.

If you are hitting one of the specific bugs above, especially the File History or Intune ones, it is a reasonable install. Otherwise, waiting costs you nothing.