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Windows 11 systems

Microsoft: KB5070311 triggers File Explorer white flash in dark mode
Winsage
December 2, 2025

Microsoft: KB5070311 triggers File Explorer white flash in dark mode

Microsoft has acknowledged a glitch with the KB5070311 preview update that causes bright white flashes when launching File Explorer in dark mode on Windows 11. The issue occurs not only when opening File Explorer but also during actions like navigating to Home or Gallery, creating new tabs, toggling the Details pane, and selecting 'More details' while copying files. As a temporary solution, Microsoft recommends disabling dark mode. The KB5070311 update also resolved a bug that caused the explorer.exe process and taskbar to become unresponsive after certain notifications and addressed search failures in File Explorer on some SMB shares. Additionally, Microsoft had previously confirmed a critical bug affecting File Explorer and the Start Menu on Windows 11 24H2 devices with cumulative updates since July 2025.
Microsoft tests File Explorer preloading for faster performance
Winsage
November 24, 2025

Microsoft tests File Explorer preloading for faster performance

Microsoft is piloting a feature for Windows 11 that preloads File Explorer in the background to reduce launch times and improve user experience. Users can disable this feature by unchecking "Enable window preloading for faster launch times" in the Folder Options. The Windows Insider Program Team is seeking feedback on this development. This initiative follows the rollout of Startup Boost in May 2025, which enhances loading times for Office applications. Additionally, Microsoft is updating the File Explorer context menu to streamline user interactions by grouping similar tasks and repositioning commands for better accessibility. These enhancements are available to Windows Insiders in the Dev and Beta channels running Windows 11 25H2 with the 26220.7271 (KB5070307) preview build.
Microsoft: Out-of-band update fixes Windows 11 hotpatch install loop
Winsage
November 22, 2025

Microsoft: Out-of-band update fixes Windows 11 hotpatch install loop

Microsoft has released the KB5072753 out-of-band cumulative update to fix a recurring issue with the November 2025 KB5068966 hotpatch update on Windows 11 systems, where the hotpatch was being reinstalled repeatedly. The update is being distributed to all Windows 11 25H2 devices and resolves the bug while also including improvements and security fixes from the earlier KB5068966 update. Users do not need to install prior updates before applying KB5072753, as it supersedes all previous updates. Additionally, Microsoft issued an emergency update for Windows 10 to address installation issues related to the November 2025 extended security updates, and resolved incorrect end-of-support warnings for Windows 10 users after the October 2025 updates.
Critical Windows SMB vulnerability being actively exploited in attacks
Winsage
October 22, 2025

Critical Windows SMB vulnerability being actively exploited in attacks

The United States’ Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has issued an alert about a critical security vulnerability in the Windows SMB protocol, identified as CVE-2025-33073, which allows attackers to escalate their privileges to SYSTEM level. All versions of Windows Server, Windows 10, and Windows 11 up to version 24H2 are affected. Microsoft addressed this issue in June 2025 during its Patch Tuesday updates. The vulnerability arises from inadequate access control, enabling authenticated attackers to elevate their privileges by deceiving victims into connecting to a malicious server. Information about this vulnerability was public at the time of the patch, but Microsoft has not confirmed any active exploitation. CISA has mandated that U.S. federal agencies must secure their systems by November 10 and encourages the private sector to address the vulnerability as well. Organizations should prioritize installing the June 2025 security updates.
Update Microsoft Windows Server, 10 And 11 Now
Winsage
October 21, 2025

Update Microsoft Windows Server, 10 And 11 Now

Microsoft Windows users are facing a significant security vulnerability affecting nearly 200 Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs), which has drawn attention from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). CISA has issued a warning about a high-severity Windows SMB privilege escalation vulnerability (CVE-2025-33073) that affects Windows Server, 10, and 11, and is already being exploited. CISA has mandated that specific Federal Civilian Executive Branch agencies update their systems within 14 days and has urged all organizations to prioritize timely remediation. CVE-2025-33073 allows an authorized attacker to gain elevated privileges over a network and was initially identified in the June rollout. CISA emphasizes the need for immediate updates to mitigate exposure to potential cyberattacks.
Microsoft Admits OneDrive Syncing Slows Windows 11 PCs
Winsage
October 6, 2025

Microsoft Admits OneDrive Syncing Slows Windows 11 PCs

Microsoft has acknowledged that its OneDrive cloud syncing feature can negatively impact the performance of Windows 11 systems, particularly for users with older hardware or those managing large volumes of files. The company advises users experiencing slowdowns to pause OneDrive sync as a diagnostic measure. Performance issues primarily stem from OneDrive’s Files On-Demand feature, which can lead to increased CPU and disk activity during synchronization. Users have reported significant slowdowns even on high-performance setups when OneDrive is active. Effective solutions include limiting sync to specific folders and adjusting bandwidth settings. Microsoft also recommends disabling visual effects in Windows to enhance speed. This acknowledgment highlights the tension between cloud service integration and system resource demands, prompting discussions about the need for optimization in future updates.
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