Microsoft has successfully addressed a notable issue that plagued users of Windows 11 systems, particularly those utilizing dark mode. Following the installation of the KB5070311 optional update, many users experienced bright white flashes when launching File Explorer. This glitch was not limited to the initial opening of the application; it also occurred during various actions such as creating new tabs, selecting ‘More details’ while copying files, toggling the Details pane, or navigating between Home and Gallery.
Prior to this fix, users seeking to avoid the disruptive flashes had no choice but to disable dark mode entirely. Microsoft acknowledged the problem, stating, “After installing KB5070311, you might experience issues when opening File Explorer in dark mode. The window might briefly display a blank white screen before loading files and folders.” In a recent advisory, the company confirmed that the latest KB5072033 Patch Tuesday cumulative update rectified this issue, ensuring a smoother experience when navigating through File Explorer.
Additional Fixes and Enhancements
Alongside the resolution of the File Explorer issue, the December KB5072033 cumulative update also tackled another significant problem: the loss of network connectivity on virtual machines. This issue arose when external virtual switches lost their physical network adapter (NIC) bindings following a host restart, impacting users relying on virtual environments.
Moreover, KB5072033 introduced enhancements to Windows PowerShell, implementing warnings for scripts that utilize the Invoke-WebRequest cmdlet to download web content. This precautionary measure aims to mitigate the risks associated with executing potentially harmful code.
In November, Microsoft had already acknowledged another critical bug affecting key system components, including File Explorer and the Start Menu. This issue arose during the provisioning of Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 devices with cumulative updates released since July 2025. Users faced crashes in shell components such as Explorer.exe and StartMenuExperienceHost, leading to partially functional devices that struggled to display essential navigation tools.
In a bid to enhance user experience further, Microsoft recently announced the testing of an optional Windows 11 feature designed to preload File Explorer in the background. This initiative aims to accelerate launch times and improve overall performance, reflecting the company’s commitment to continuous improvement and user satisfaction.
