KB5101682

Microsoft has released cumulative update KB5101682 (Build 26300.9032) for Windows 11 version 26H2, intended for insiders on the Experimental channel. The build contains an updated signing certificate for preview builds, the current certificate expires on August 11, 2026, so participant devices need to install this or a later build before that date to remain on supported versions and continue receiving future Insider Preview updates. In addition, the update brings improvements for search, smartphone integration, hibernation mode, as well as fixes for the Start menu, taskbar, File Explorer, and other system components.

• Automatic expansion of indexing in Windows Search. Windows Search can now automatically expand the indexing scope based on user activity, considering recent files and frequently opened locations, so that needed files become searchable without manual configuration. Feature management is available in Settings > Privacy & security > Searching Windows. This continues a series of search refinements, which previously included updating the Windows 11 search box, removing ads, adding priority for local results, and web suggestions management.
• Improved Phone Link panel in the Start menu. The Phone Link panel in the Start menu now shows more details about recent activities without extra actions: when hovering over a recent message or notification in the recent activities section, its content is displayed right in the Start menu, without needing to pick up the phone or open the item itself. The feature is gradually rolling out on the Experimental channel, requires Phone Link app version 1.26021.3.0 or higher, setting is located in Phone Link > Settings > Start menu personalization. This is part of Microsoft's broader work on deeper smartphone integration with Windows 11, including new capabilities for the Start menu and taskbar, clipboard sync, and a separate Messages app.
• Improved search in the Settings app. Search results are now gathered from more sections, and ranking is refined so that the most relevant settings appear higher in the list.
• Refined adaptive hibernation policy. Adaptive hibernation now triggers more frequently for instant resume from modern standby and conserves battery more efficiently at low charge levels. Notable changes: the system hibernates less often when charge is above 80% and transitions to hibernation earlier when charge is below 10%.
• Preserving block state in File Explorer Home section. The Home section in File Explorer now preserves the state of blocks — whether expanded or collapsed, allowing you to continue working from the same place.

The build also includes fixes for the Start menu, where a recent issue with crashing when dragging apps was resolved, and for the taskbar, where an instant close of a window thumbnail when hovering in the overflow area was fixed.

In File Explorer, an issue was resolved where the address bar content was cleared when entering edit mode by clicking at the right edge of the bar, stability when dragging files to a disconnected network drive was improved, and an issue was fixed where files on a connected DFS drive were incorrectly identified as coming from the internet, causing a warning about potential computer harm in the preview pane, and copied files received the Mark of the Web label.

Internal changes were made to improve the stability of the Windows spotlight on the lock screen feature.

An issue with automatic backup of File History to SMB network folders was fixed: backup was not working because Windows incorrectly reported invalid credentials when connecting.

The update is installed via Windows Update: go to Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates. A computer restart is required to complete the installation.

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