Microsoft Releases Optional Windows 11 KB5101684 Update With Faster Start Menu and Search
Microsoft has released the KB5101684 optional preview update for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, bringing performance improvements to the Start menu, taskbar, File Explorer, Windows Search, and Secure Boot.
As a preview update, KB5101684 is available now for users who want early access to upcoming features before they are included in August’s Patch Tuesday release.
Faster Start Menu and Taskbar
The headline improvement in KB5101684 is enhanced performance for the Start menu and taskbar.
Microsoft says the update optimizes responsiveness when opening the Start menu and interacting with taskbar elements. The performance gains are expected to be more noticeable on older PCs or systems with less powerful hardware, while newer machines may see smaller improvements.
File Explorer Gets More Practical File Sizes
KB5101684 also introduces a quality-of-life improvement for File Explorer.
Instead of displaying large file sizes primarily in kilobytes (KB), Windows can now present them in more readable units such as:
- MB (megabytes)
- GB (gigabytes)
The change makes it easier to judge file sizes at a glance without manually converting the values.
Improved Windows Search
Microsoft has also refined Windows Search, delivering:
- Faster search performance
- More accurate search results
- Better handling of misspelled search terms
The improvements are intended to help users locate files more quickly, even when search queries contain typing errors.
Secure Boot Certificates Updated
The update also addresses Microsoft’s ongoing rollout of updated Secure Boot certificates.
KB5101684 expands certificate support to additional systems, helping prepare compatible devices for future Secure Boot requirements and improving long-term platform security.
How to Install KB5101684
Because KB5101684 is an optional preview update, it is not installed automatically.
To install it manually:
- Open Settings.
- Go to Windows Update.
- Enable “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available.”
- Select Check for updates.
- Open Advanced options → Optional updates.
- Install KB5101684.
Users can also download the update directly from the Microsoft Update Catalog.
Updated Build Numbers
After installing KB5101684, Windows version numbers become:
- Windows 11 25H2: Build 26200.8973
- Windows 11 24H2: Build 26100.8973
Preview Before August’s Public Release
KB5101684 serves as Microsoft’s preview of the fixes and improvements scheduled for the August Patch Tuesday update.
Users who prefer maximum stability can simply wait for the automatic rollout next month, while those interested in the latest performance enhancements and usability improvements can install the update immediately through Windows Update or the Microsoft Update Catalog.