Microsoft’s August Update of Windows 11 Brings More Control Over AI Features
Microsoft has released its August 2026 security update for Windows 11, bringing a long list of new features, interface changes, and quality improvements.
The mandatory KB5121003 update was released on August 11 for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2, raising both to OS builds 26200.9168 and 26100.9168, respectively. Many of the new features use Microsoft’s Controlled Feature Rollout system, so they may not appear on every PC immediately.
Copilot+ PCs Can Remove an AI Model
One of the more notable changes gives supported Copilot+ PC owners the option to remove the Image Generation AI component from Windows 11.
Microsoft still does not provide a single switch for removing every AI feature, but users can now uninstall this particular component where it is installed.
Windows Hello is also gaining Enhanced Sign-in Security support for compatible external fingerprint readers. ESS isolates biometric processing in a protected environment, and the feature is no longer limited to built-in fingerprint hardware.
File Explorer and Search Get Better
File Explorer now displays file sizes using more appropriate units such as KB, MB, and GB instead of showing everything in kilobytes.
Users can also middle-click folders from the address bar or Home page to open them in a new tab. Microsoft has additionally fixed a gray flash on the Home page, unexpected scrolling, and improved Recommended thumbnails.
Windows Search can now better understand misspelled and partial app names, while Settings search should show more relevant results higher in the list.
New Touchpad and Voice Features
Precision touchpad users are getting controls for scroll and zoom speed, along with accelerated scrolling that increases speed as a gesture is repeated.
Voice Access now includes Voice Isolation, which can filter out background noise and other speakers. Users can choose between Voice Isolation, background-noise removal, and unfiltered microphone input.
Microsoft has also turned Fluid Dictation off by default for new Voice Typing users and added guidance explaining the feature.
More Changes Across Windows 11
The Start menu’s Account Control interface now has an updated design and can show subscription information and related account details.
Lock screen Widgets have also been simplified, with Weather becoming the only default widget for new users. Taskbar notification badges now use the Windows accent color instead of red.
Microsoft has improved power settings so changes to display, sleep, hibernate, and lid behavior apply across power plans. The Energy Saver battery threshold option has also returned.
Windows Update now provides more accurate progress estimates and uses updated cleanup logic after installations. The release also includes refinements to dark-mode system sounds, time-zone detection, printing, networking, clipboard reliability, and general Windows stability.
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