Microsoft has released cumulative update KB5121003 for Windows 11 version 25H2 (2025 Update) as part of the August 2026 Patch Tuesday. The update brings the build number to 26200.9168 and includes numerous File Explorer interface improvements, new touchpad gestures, expanded voice input support and a speech recognition system, an updated Windows Hello sign-in, as well as improved stability for DHCP, IPPS printing, and Office applications in virtualized environments. A separate addition is the ability to remove the AI image generation component on Copilot+ PCs.
- File Explorer: file size display and opening folders in new tabs. In the Details view, file sizes are now displayed in the most appropriate units (KB, MB, GB). Middle-clicking a folder in the address bar or the Home item now opens that folder in a new tab.
- Improved search for apps and settings. The relevance of search results within the Windows interface has been enhanced, making it easier to find the necessary apps and system settings.
- Voice access and Voice Isolation. Korean language support has been added. Three speech recognition modes have been introduced for more accurate background noise filtering.
- New touchpad gesture settings. Scrolling speed and zoom sensitivity can now be adjusted in settings, and an accelerated scrolling feature can be enabled.
- Enhanced Sign-in Security (ESS) for Windows Hello. Support for external fingerprint scanners has been implemented for heightened authentication security.
- Updated account manager in the Start menu. A subscription status icon now appears next to the user name for quick access to account information.
- AI component removal on Copilot+ PCs. The ability to remove the built-in AI image generation component has been added.
Along with the listed new features, update KB5121003 addresses several known issues and introduces refinements to system components. A false Mark of the Web label for files from DFS drives and a File History automatic backup failure to SMB network folders have been fixed. The stability of Office applications in virtualized environments has been improved. Enhancements have been made to Widgets, Magnifier on touch screens, power and battery settings, Windows Update, Myanmar Text and Mongolian Baiti fonts, IPPS printing speed, and DHCP reliability. As part of the standard deployment, the range of devices automatically receiving new Secure Boot certificates has been expanded. Microsoft has added new data to more accurately determine target devices, increasing the scope of computers ready to automatically receive the new Secure Boot certificates. In the coming months, their phased rollout via Windows Update will continue on supported PCs and unmanaged corporate devices.
To install the update, open Settings, go to Windows Update, and click Check for updates. Cumulative update KB5121003 will be downloaded and installed automatically.
| Feature / Change | Performance Increase or Decrease | Optimization | PC Speed | Gaming Optimization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| File size display in appropriate units (KB, MB, GB) | ⚪ No direct impact | 🟢 High (instant readability, no manual calculation) | ⚪ No impact | ⚪ No impact |
| Open folders in new tabs via middle-click | ⚪ No direct impact | 🟢 Medium (reduces window clutter, faster multi-folder navigation) | ⚪ No impact | ⚪ No impact |
| Improved search relevance for apps and settings | ⚪ No direct impact | 🟢 High (faster result discovery, fewer mistyped queries) | 🟢 Slight (reduces CPU time wasted on repeated searches) | ⚪ No impact |
| Korean language support for Voice Access | ⚪ No direct impact | 🟡 Medium (hands-free navigation for Korean speakers) | ⚪ No impact | ⚪ No impact |
| Three speech recognition modes for noise filtering | ⚪ No direct impact | 🟢 High (more accurate dictation in noisy environments) | ⚪ No impact | 🟡 Low (background voice chat isolation may improve) |
| Adjustable touchpad scrolling speed and zoom sensitivity | ⚪ No direct impact | 🟢 Medium (personalized responsiveness, less frustration) | ⚪ No impact | ⚪ No impact |
| Touchpad accelerated scrolling feature | ⚪ No direct impact | 🟢 Medium (faster content traversal in long documents/pages) | ⚪ No impact | ⚪ No impact |
| Enhanced Sign-in Security (ESS) for external fingerprint scanners | ⚪ No direct impact | 🟢 High (quicker, secure login without typing PIN/password) | ⚪ No impact | ⚪ No impact |
| Subscription status icon in Start menu account manager | ⚪ No direct impact | 🟡 Low (glanceable account info, no need to open browser) | ⚪ No impact | ⚪ No impact |
| Ability to remove built-in AI image generation component | 🟢 Slight increase (frees storage and background resource usage) | 🟢 High (user control over pre-installed AI features, less clutter) | 🟢 Slight (less disk I/O and memory consumption if removed) | 🟢 Slight (more available system resources for gaming) |
Official announcement on the Microsoft website.
The last 10 Windows updates:
| Update | Build | Version | Windows | Channel | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KB5126657 | 19045.7807 | 22H2 (ESU) | Windows 10 | Stable | 2026-10-13 |
| KB5126653 | 22631.7652 | 23H2 | Windows 11 | Stable | 2026-10-13 |
| KB5127646 | 28000.3231 | 26H1 | Windows 11 | Stable | 2026-10-13 |
| KB5127648 | 26300.9711 | 26H2 | Windows 11 | Stable | 2026-10-13 |
| KB5127757 | 28120.3181 | 26H1 | Windows 11 | Experimental | 2026-10-07 |
| KB5127758 | 26220.9606 | 25H2 | Windows 11 | Beta | 2026-10-07 |
| KB5127754 | 28020.3172 | 26H1 | Windows 11 | Beta | 2026-10-07 |
| KB5127753 | 26340.9616 | 26H2 | Windows 11 | Experimental | 2026-10-07 |
| KB5124192 | 28120.3151 | 26H1 | Windows 11 | Experimental | 2026-10-02 |
| KB5124196 | 28020.3142 | 26H1 | Windows 11 | Beta | 2026-10-02 |