Windows 11 July 2026 Update (KB5101650): What’s New and How to Install It

Latest Updates

Last checked: July 29, 2026.

• July 14, 2026 – Microsoft released KB5101650 (OS Builds 26200.8875 and 26100.8875) for Windows 11, versions 25H2 and 24H2. It’s July’s Patch Tuesday release and one of the largest security updates in years, addressing more than 570 vulnerabilities – over four times the number fixed in July 2025.
• July 14, 2026 – A companion update, KB5099414, was released for Windows 11 version 23H2.
• July 18, 2026 – Microsoft shipped an out-of-band fix, KB5121767 (OS Builds 26200.8894 and 26100.8894), to address issues introduced by the July 14 release.
• July 28, 2026 – A preview update, KB5101684 (OS Builds 26200.8973 and 26100.8973), rolled out with additional non-security, production-quality improvements ahead of next month’s Patch Tuesday.

We’ll keep this section updated as Microsoft ships new cumulative and out-of-band releases.

What’s in the July 2026 Windows 11 Update?

KB5101650 is Microsoft’s main July 2026 Patch Tuesday release for Windows 11. Beyond the security fixes, it introduces several changes users will actually notice:

• Point-in-time restore – a full-system rollback option that makes it easier to undo a bad update or configuration change without a full reinstall.
• Bluetooth reliability fixes – described as the most significant Bluetooth fix Windows 11 has received in years, addressing longstanding pairing and dropout issues.
• Faster File Explorer – performance improvements to file browsing and search.
• New accessibility tools – additional options for users who rely on assistive technology.
• Secure Boot certificate rollout – Microsoft continues phasing in updated Secure Boot certificates ahead of the original 2026 expiration deadline, so devices stay protected without interruption.

Why This Update Matters

Security researchers and IT teams have flagged July’s release as unusually significant because of the sheer volume of vulnerabilities patched in a single cycle. A large share of Patch Tuesday fixes each month address issues that could otherwise be exploited remotely, so installing cumulative updates promptly is one of the simplest ways to keep a Windows 11 PC secure.

How to Check for and Install the Update

1. Open Settings and go to Windows Update.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. If KB5101650 (or a newer cumulative update) is listed, click Download and install.
4. Restart your PC when prompted to finish installing the update.
5. After restarting, go back to Windows Update and confirm the new build number matches the one listed above (for example, 26100.8875 or later).

If Windows Update doesn’t show the latest cumulative update yet, you can also download it manually from the Microsoft Update Catalog by searching for the KB number.

Tips for a Smooth Update

• Back up important files before installing any major cumulative update, especially if you’re on older hardware.
• Make sure you have at least a few gigabytes of free disk space before starting the install.
• If you hit installation errors, running Windows Update Troubleshooter (Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters) resolves most common issues.
• Keep automatic updates turned on so out-of-band fixes like KB5121767 reach your device as soon as they’re available.

Conclusion

The July 2026 Windows 11 update is a big one – both for security and for everyday usability improvements like faster File Explorer and more reliable Bluetooth. If you haven’t installed KB5101650 yet, it’s worth doing sooner rather than later given the scale of vulnerabilities it addresses. We’ll keep the Latest Updates section above current as Microsoft releases further patches this cycle.

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