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

Latest Updates

Last checked: August 17, 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 improvements ahead of the following Patch Tuesday.

What’s in the July 2026 Windows 11 Update?

Beyond the security fixes, KB5101650 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.

Why This Update Matters

Security researchers 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 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 when prompted to finish installing.
5. After restarting, confirm the build number matches the one listed above (26100.8875 or later) under Settings > System > About.

If Windows Update doesn’t show it yet, you can download it manually from the Microsoft Update Catalog by searching the KB number. Match your exact Windows version and architecture when doing this.

Before You Install

• Back up important files. Cumulative updates rarely cause data loss, but a backup costs little and covers the exception.
• Free up disk space. Large cumulative updates need several gigabytes of working space; low disk space is a frequent cause of install failures.
• Plug in laptops. Windows won’t install major updates on battery below a threshold, and interrupting an install mid-write is genuinely risky.
• Don’t force a shutdown during installation, even if it appears stuck at a percentage — large updates can sit at one number for a long time.

If the Update Fails to Install

1. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter — Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
2. Restart and retry, since a stuck previous update can block a new one.
3. Run sfc /scannow from an administrator Command Prompt to repair corrupted system files.
4. If that reports unfixable problems, follow with DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and try again.
5. As a last resort, download the standalone installer from the Update Catalog and run it directly.

Conclusion

Given the scale of vulnerabilities addressed, this is one worth installing sooner rather than later — and the usability improvements, especially the Bluetooth fixes, make it more than just a security patch. Keep automatic updates enabled so out-of-band fixes like KB5121767 reach your device without you having to check manually.

FAQ