Windows 11 KB5124010 Released With Emoji 17, Major Improvements and Fixes Across File Explorer and Bluetooth

Microsoft has released a big preview update, KB5124010, for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, which bumps the respective systems to Build 26100.9550 and Build 26200.9550. As far as changes are concerned, this update brings a long list of improvements covering File Explorer, Emoji, Widgets, desktop personalization, Bluetooth and more.

Windows 11 File Explorer gets several useful changes

File Explorer is receiving several changes with this preview update. Microsoft is changing how the preview pane handles files downloaded from the web. When opening an HTML file, users will now see a Preview anyway button that lets them acknowledge the warning before viewing the file. For non-HTML files such as PDFs, File Explorer can now preview the content automatically.

Microsoft is also making File Explorer Home remember whether its sections were expanded or collapsed. This means users can return to File Explorer and find the Home page in the same state they left it.

The update also improves the reliability of thumbnail previews for cloud files in the Details pane. Microsoft has reorganized the pane as well, making file properties easier to find and review.

Another File Explorer issue is being addressed where the contents of the address bar could disappear when users entered edit mode by clicking near the right side of the address bar.

Windows 11 gets new Emoji and Widgets features

KB5124010 adds support for Emoji 17.0, bringing new emoji including distorted face, fight cloud and hairy creature. Users can access the emoji panel with Windows + .

Microsoft is also refining several existing emoji designs for better consistency across platforms. The changes include the saluting face, face with peeking eye, goose, lotus and kissing cat emoji.

Windows 11 is also getting a new Tips widget. It provides short guidance about Windows features and can be added through the Widgets board by selecting Add widgets and then Tips. The same widget can be placed on the lock screen through Settings > Personalization > Lock screen.

Windows 11 personalization gets a long list of fixes

Microsoft is improving the Personalization > Background page in Settings, including its reliability. The update adds support for DIB image files as desktop backgrounds and improves desktop slideshow transitions on newly created accounts.

Background previews should also appear at a higher resolution when users select a wallpaper. Microsoft is additionally improving how desktop background previews appear in Settings for systems using portrait-oriented monitors.

Another change addresses situations where desktop wallpaper changes happen in quick succession. Microsoft says processing of those changes is now more reliable.

Users with multiple desktops can also use slideshow wallpapers without Windows automatically switching the background type back to Picture.

Bluetooth gets several reliability and audio improvements

KB5124010 includes a bunch of Bluetooth changes. During voice calls, the Windows shell volume flyout now appears when users adjust the volume of a Bluetooth Classic Audio accessory through its own volume controls.

Windows should also display the connection state more accurately when a Bluetooth accessory disconnects. Microsoft is improving the stability of the Bluetooth & devices page in Settings when managing Bluetooth and audio devices. The update also fixes an issue where the Bluetooth radio could be turned off while the corresponding toggle in Settings incorrectly remained switched on.

Bluetooth audio is receiving additional improvements. Microsoft says microphone compatibility has been improved for certain Bluetooth Classic audio accessories.

The update also fixes a crash with error code 0x139 that could occur while streaming Bluetooth audio. LE Audio accessories should see better reliability and performance, while shared audio also gets reliability improvements