Microsoft has acknowledged a troubling issue affecting some users of Windows 11, specifically those utilizing virtual desktops. Following sign-in, these users may encounter a frustrating black screen, necessitating a manual launch of Explorer to regain access to their desktop environment. This glitch appears to be linked to devices operating on the August 2026 non-security preview update or any subsequent releases.
Details of the Issue
The problem has been predominantly observed on Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) hosts that utilize FSLogix. Users may also notice crashes of Windows Explorer recorded in the Application event log of the affected devices. Fortunately, there is a temporary workaround: users can open Task Manager and initiate explorer.exe as a new task to restore their desktop.
In response to this situation, Microsoft has rolled out a Known Issue Rollback (KIR) that administrators can implement through Group Policy. This measure disables the problematic change until a permanent fix can be deployed. “We are working on a resolution for this issue, and it will be released in a future Windows update,” the company stated.
Related Concerns
This issue is separate from another glitch introduced by the same August preview update, which had previously replaced some customized desktop backgrounds with a solid black color. While Microsoft addressed that particular concern in September, the underlying cause of the current black screen issue remains unclear. The company has noted that this problem seems to occur more frequently with certain existing user profiles, offering little solace to those who find themselves resorting to Task Manager for a manual fix.
Versions 26H1, 25H2, and 24H2 of Windows 11 are impacted, while Windows 10 and Windows Server do not appear to be affected by this latest round of issues. The series of problems stemming from Microsoft’s August and September updates raises questions about the company’s commitment to improving the Windows experience. Promises of quality enhancements made earlier this year by Windows chief Pavan Davuluri are beginning to feel increasingly unconvincing. As Microsoft seeks to “win back” its user base, as articulated by CEO Satya Nadella, the response from users may be one of skepticism rather than gratitude.
