Microsoft has released Windows 11 update KB5124010 as an optional preview for versions 24H2 and 25H2, bringing another round of Bluetooth improvements alongside File Explorer changes, new personalization options and a fix for the recent File History problem.
Because this is an optional update, Windows 11 will not install it automatically. The same changes are expected to become part of the mandatory October Patch Tuesday release on October 13, 2026.
Bluetooth connectivity gets another round of fixes
Bluetooth remains one of the main areas Microsoft is trying to improve in Windows 11.
KB5124010 includes changes intended to make Bluetooth device connections more reliable, following earlier fixes introduced during the year.
The update could therefore be useful if you have been dealing with devices that disconnect unexpectedly, fail to reconnect properly or behave inconsistently.
Microsoft has not provided a simple percentage or universal performance figure for the changes, so the practical improvement may vary depending on the Bluetooth adapter, driver and connected device.
| KB5124010 change | What it does |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth improvements | Targets connection reliability |
| File Explorer previews | Restores easier previews for downloaded files |
| Emoji 17.0 | Adds new emoji characters |
| File History fix | Repairs the issue introduced by September updates |
| Desktop backgrounds | Adds DIB support and slideshow improvements |
| Window behavior | Adds option to open apps maximized |
| Copilot key | Allows remapping |
| PC migration | Removes the previous PC to PC Migration tool |
File Explorer previews become easier to use
KB5124010 changes how File Explorer handles files downloaded from the internet.
Previously, downloaded files could require manual unblocking before their contents appeared in the Preview pane.
The new behavior automatically allows previews again for downloaded files without requiring you to unblock each one individually.
HTML files remain an exception. For those, File Explorer provides a Preview button instead of displaying the contents automatically.
The change should make the Preview pane more useful when quickly checking documents and other downloaded files.
File History is fixed after September problems
The update also addresses a File History problem introduced by Microsoft's September Patch Tuesday updates.
File History had stopped working correctly for some Windows 11 systems after that update.
Installing KB5124010 is intended to restore the feature without requiring a rollback of the earlier Windows update.
This is one of the more practical reasons to install the optional release early if you rely on File History for regular backups.
If File History is working normally on your PC and you do not need the other changes immediately, waiting for the October mandatory update remains an option.
Emoji 17.0 arrives on Windows 11
Microsoft is also rolling out the Emoji 17.0 set.
New characters include the distorted face, ballet dancer, fight cloud and hairy creature, among other additions.
The emoji update is being introduced gradually, so installing KB5124010 does not guarantee that every new character will appear immediately.
Microsoft often uses staged rollouts for Windows features, meaning two computers with the same update can temporarily have slightly different feature sets.
Desktop personalization gets several fixes
Windows personalization receives a few changes as well.
Microsoft says it has fixed an issue that could make wallpaper customization difficult.
Device Independent Bitmap files can now be used as desktop backgrounds, expanding the image formats supported for wallpaper use.
Slideshow backgrounds have also been improved across different desktop configurations.
These changes are relatively small, but they address areas where Windows 11 personalization could behave inconsistently.
Apps can now be set to open maximized
Another quality of life change allows application windows to be configured to open maximized.
This can be useful if you regularly resize the same apps after launching them.
Microsoft is also expanding customization around the Copilot key, giving you the ability to remap the button instead of keeping it tied to its original function.
A new Tips widget is being added as well, providing Windows guidance directly through the operating system.
Like several other features in KB5124010, these additions are being rolled out gradually.
Microsoft removes the PC to PC Migration tool
The update removes Microsoft's PC to PC Migration tool.
That feature was designed to transfer files and settings directly from an old computer to a new Windows PC during setup.
Microsoft is instead directing people toward Windows Backup and Restore for migration and recovery tasks.
This means anyone who previously expected to use the dedicated migration tool will need to rely on Microsoft's broader backup system instead.
KB5124010 remains optional for now
You can install KB5124010 manually through Windows Settings.
Go to Windows Update, open Advanced options and then select Optional updates.
The package can also be installed through the Microsoft Update Catalog.
If none of the fixes are urgent for your system, there is no requirement to install the preview immediately.
Microsoft plans to include the same improvements in the mandatory October 13 update.
For people affected by Bluetooth problems, the broken File History feature or File Explorer preview limitations, however, KB5124010 provides an early way to receive those fixes before the next Patch Tuesday release.
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