Windows 11: The latest Windows 11 24H2 August 2025 Update is here for the Release Preview channel, with a broader rollout expected soon. Build 26100.5061 introduces a mix of fresh UI changes, AI-powered tools, developer enhancements, and important fixes that make Windows 11 faster, smarter, and more user-friendly.
Whether you’re a casual user or an IT professional, here’s a complete breakdown of what’s new in the August 2025 Windows 11 update.
1. AI Features for Copilot+ PCs
- Redesigned Recall Homepage: A cleaner, redesigned interface for easier navigation.
- Click to Do Tutorial: Guided onboarding for new AI task features.
- AI Actions in File Explorer: Right-click an image to instantly remove backgrounds, blur, or perform visual searches.
These AI upgrades are exclusive to Copilot+ PCs with AMD or Intel processors.
2. Taskbar & Search Improvements
- Clock with Seconds: Enable a more precise time display from Taskbar settings.
- Centered Privacy Prompts: When apps request location, camera, or mic access, a new centered popup dims the background for clarity.
- Grid View in Search: Searching for images now shows a visual grid, making it easier to spot the right file.
3. File Explorer Upgrades
- AI Context Menu Actions: Remove background, erase objects, or search visually with Paint and Photos.
- Work/School Integration: Shows people icons in the activity column for connected accounts.
- File Unblock Fix: Unblocked files now stay unblocked after re-checking properties.
4. Settings & Developer Enhancements
- New Advanced Settings Page: Combines developer tools like Task Manager tweaks, PowerShell, Remote Desktop, and antivirus controls.
- Device Card Overview: Displays PC specs and usage details (US Microsoft accounts only).
- Control Panel Migration: More date, time, and language settings moved to the modern Settings app.
- Modern Activation Dialogs: Activation and expiration prompts now match Windows 11’s clean design.
5. Performance & System Changes
- Task Manager CPU Metric Update: Uses standard industry metrics for accuracy.
- PowerShell 2.0 Removal: Deprecated feature gone from Windows starting August 2025.
- Organizational Backup: Seamless enterprise backup & restore now generally available.
6. Key Bug Fixes
- Search Stability: Prevents incomplete results when indexing in the background.
- Taskbar Hover Fix: No more accidental preview popups for unrelated apps.
- Input Method Fixes: Resolved Chinese/Japanese IME display issues.
- App Crash Fixes: Addresses Notepad, Sticky Notes, and Explorer crashes.
- Audio Stability: Fix for audio service hang issues.
- Faster Installations: ARM64 app installations now complete quicker.
How to Get the Windows 11 24H2 August 2025 Update
- Open Settings → Windows Update.
- Enable Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available.
- Click Check for updates and install Build 26100.5061.
Final Thoughts
The Windows 11 24H2 August 2025 Update isn’t just about AI—it delivers real usability upgrades like a smarter search, cleaner settings, and essential bug fixes. Power users will appreciate the developer-focused changes, while everyday users benefit from a more polished and stable system.
With its balance of innovation and stability, this update is a strong step toward Microsoft’s long-term Windows 11 vision.
