Microsoft is rolling out big Windows 11 improvements in August and here’s everything you should know - Windows Central

What the report says

Windows Central reports that Microsoft is expected to release its August 2026 Patch Tuesday security update for Windows 11 on Tuesday, August 11, with a broad set of feature refinements, fixes and interface changes. The outlet says the update applies to Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2, and that the changes are being distributed through Microsoft’s Controlled Feature Rollout process, meaning some users may not see every feature immediately.

Among the notable additions, Windows Central says Microsoft is expanding Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security support to external fingerprint readers, after previously limiting that protection to built-in sensors on certain devices. The update is also expected to let users uninstall the Image Generation AI model from the AI Components area in Settings on supported Copilot+ PCs, a limited but notable control for users concerned about AI integration in Windows.

The report highlights smaller usability changes across the system. File Explorer will show file sizes with more appropriate units and support middle-clicking folders into new tabs from more locations. Windows Search is expected to better handle typos, partial app names and two-character searches. Microsoft is also adjusting Widgets on the lock screen, touchpad scrolling and zoom settings, Voice Access noise filtering, Voice Typing tooltips, and the Start menu account flyout.

Other changes described by Windows Central include more consistent power-setting behavior across power plans, the return of an Energy Saver battery percentage setting, more accurate Windows Update progress estimates, update cleanup improvements, a parental controls notice in Windows Setup, and dark-mode sound refinements. The update matters because it appears focused less on a single headline feature and more on day-to-day Windows 11 polish, security and user control.