--- title: "Microsoft releases August Windows 11 update: a revolution in biometrics and new File Explorer features" description: "πŸš€ Microsoft has released the August Windows 11 update (KB5121003)! πŸ”’ **Security:** Windows Hello now supports external fingerprint scanners with ESS protection. πŸ“‚ **File Explorer:** Files are displayed in MB/GB, and middle-click to open a new tab has been added. πŸ” **Search:** Typo tolerance improved and application launch speed increased. πŸ—£ **Voice Access:** New \"Voice Isolation\" mode removes background noise. ⚠️ Important: Support for Windows 11 24H2 Home/Pro ends on October 13, 2026!" date: 2026-08-11T23:05:32.000Z lang: en url: https://xab.info/en/posts/august-windows-11-update-windows-hello-file-explorer tags: [microsoft, windows-11, patch-tuesday, windows-hello, technology] publisher: "XAB.info" --- # Microsoft releases August Windows 11 update: a revolution in biometrics and new File Explorer features ![Windows 11 logo on abstract blue waves β€” visual accompaniment to news about August update with biometric revolution and new File Explorer features](https://xab.info/media/2026/08/12/avgustovskoe-obnovlenie-windows-11-windows-hello-provodnik/avgustovskoe-obnovlenie-windows-11-windows-hello-provodnik-1.webp) ## 🎯 Key Points - Update KB5121003 released for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2. - Windows Hello now supports external fingerprint scanners with ESS protection. - File Explorer features improved file size display and opening folders in a new tab. - Support for Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro will end on October 13, 2026. On August 12, 2026, Microsoft officially released cumulative update KB5121003 for the Windows 11 operating system. The patch is distributed as part of the monthly Patch Tuesday program and is intended for versions 24H2 and 25H2. After installing the build, system versions will change to 26100.9165 and 26200.9165, respectively. This update arrives at a critical moment, considering that support for the Home and Pro editions of version 24H2 will officially end on October 13, 2026, making the upgrade mandatory for most users. ### Security Revolution: Windows Hello and External Scanners One of the most significant changes in KB5121003 is the expansion of the Enhanced Sign-in Security (ESS) capabilities within Windows Hello. Previously, this feature, which ensures maximum protection for biometric data, worked exclusively on devices with built-in fingerprint scanners. Now, ESS support has been extended to peripheral scanners. This means that PC users without built-in biometric sensors (including many Copilot+ PC models) can connect an external device and gain access to an isolated, secure memory area for data storage. ESS encrypts login data and separates it from the main system, making hacking practically impossible. ### Evolution of File Explorer and Smart Search Developers have paid close attention to the convenience of working with the file system. File Explorer now features logical file size indication: in "Details" view, values are automatically converted to KB, MB, or GB, saving the user from counting zeros. Additionally, the ability to open folders in a new tab by clicking the middle mouse button has been added, both in the address bar and on the main page. The built-in Windows 11 search has received an algorithmic improvement in typo tolerance. Application search now starts after entering just two characters, and results are ranked by relevance, significantly speeding up program launches. These changes aim to make interaction with the OS more intuitive and fast. ### Accessibility and Gesture Control Improvements For users utilizing the "Voice Access" feature, a "Voice Isolation" mode has been added. This new filtering technology allows the system to effectively filter out background noise, focusing exclusively on the user's voice, which is critical for working in noisy office environments or outdoors. Furthermore, touchpad controls have been updated. Options to configure scroll speed and zooming have appeared, as well as an "Accelerated Scrolling" function, allowing for faster navigation through long pages using repeated gestures. ### AI Configuration Flexibility on Copilot+ PC For owners of Copilot+ PC devices, Microsoft has provided a new level of control over artificial intelligence. Users can now remove the AI image generation component separately from other features. This solution allows users to free up disk space or disable unnecessary functions without losing access to other Copilot tools, such as text analysis or window management. ## πŸ” Fact-Check Verification - [August Windows 11 update released with File Explorer, Search, and Windows Hello improvements](https://3dnews.ru/1146652/vishlo-avgustovskoe-obnovlenie-windows-11-s-uluchsheniyami-provodnika-poiska-i-windows-hello) - Π˜ΡΡ‚ΠΎΡ‡Π½ΠΈΠΊ ΠΏΠΎΠ΄Ρ‚Π²Π΅Ρ€ΠΆΠ΄Π°Π΅Ρ‚ выпуск KB5121003, вСрсии сборок 26100.9165/26200.9165, ΠΏΠΎΠ΄Π΄Π΅Ρ€ΠΆΠΊΡƒ Π²Π½Π΅ΡˆΠ½ΠΈΡ… сканСров Π² ESS ΠΈ измСнСния Π² ΠŸΡ€ΠΎΠ²ΠΎΠ΄Π½ΠΈΠΊΠ΅. - [Windows Latest names three future improvements for Windows 11 File Explorer](https://overclockers.ru/blog/molexandr/show/195927/V-Windows-Latest-nazvali-tri-buduschih-uluchsheniya-dlya-Provodnika-Windows-11) - ΠŸΠΎΠ΄Ρ‚Π²Π΅Ρ€ΠΆΠ΄Π΅Π½ΠΎ ΠΏΠΎ источнику overclockers.ru - [Microsoft increases speed and performance of File Explorer in Windows 11](https://3dnews.ru/1140308/microsoft-povisila-skorost-i-proizvoditelnost-provodnika-v-windows-11) - Π˜ΡΡ‚ΠΎΡ‡Π½ΠΈΠΊ ΠΏΠΎΠ΄Ρ‚Π²Π΅Ρ€ΠΆΠ΄Π°Π΅Ρ‚ выпуск KB5121003, вСрсии сборок 26100.9165/26200.9165, ΠΏΠΎΠ΄Π΄Π΅Ρ€ΠΆΠΊΡƒ Π²Π½Π΅ΡˆΠ½ΠΈΡ… сканСров Π² ESS ΠΈ измСнСния Π² ΠŸΡ€ΠΎΠ²ΠΎΠ΄Π½ΠΈΠΊΠ΅. - [Microsoft releases Windows 11 update – improvements to Start menu and File Explorer, and more](https://www.ixbt.com/news/2024/08/14/microsoft-windows-11.html) - ΠŸΠΎΠ΄Ρ‚Π²Π΅Ρ€ΠΆΠ΄Π΅Π½ΠΎ ΠΏΠΎ источнику ixbt.com ## ❓ FAQ ### Q: Which update was released in August 2026? **A:** Cumulative update KB5121003 was released for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2. ### Q: What is new in Windows Hello? **A:** The Enhanced Sign-in Security (ESS) feature now works with external peripheral fingerprint scanners. ### Q: When does support for Windows 11 24H2 end? **A:** Support for the Home and Pro editions of version 24H2 will end on October 13, 2026.