KB5070312 Update for Windows 11 23H2 Fixes File Explorer and More

Microsoft quietly pushed an optional Windows 11 update — surfaced as KB5070312 for version 23H2 — that addresses a persistent and widely reported File Explorer responsiveness bug along with a handful of smaller, but useful, quality fixes.

Background / Overview​

Windows 11 follows a staged servicing model in which feature updates are released annually and monthly cumulative updates are delivered on a Patch Tuesday cadence. Microsoft separates security fixes (the monthly security rollups) from non‑security, quality‑focused updates (the so‑called C‑release or monthly non‑security previews). KB5070312 is a non‑security, quality update published for Windows 11 version 23H2 and surfaced first in the Release Preview channel as build 22631.6269. The package is intended to provide small functional and reliability improvements rather than new features.
The timing is notable: version 23H2 reached the end of servicing for Home and Pro editions in November, which means consumer SKUs no longer receive routine security cumulative updates for that version. Enterprise and Education SKUs continue to receive updates for a longer window under Microsoft’s servicing policy, and this update was explicitly targeted to those still‑supported commercial channels as well as Release Preview testers.
This article summarizes what is fixed, evaluates the technical implications for end users and IT administrators, explains how the update is being distributed, and offers practical recommendations for deployment and rollback strategies.

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What KB5070312 changes — quick summary​

The update is a focused, non‑security release that contains quality improvements across a few areas. The most prominent fixes are:

• File Explorer responsiveness: Addresses an issue where File Explorer sometimes did not respond to mouse clicks; the window would remain effectively unresponsive until the user closed and reopened the app.
• Archive extraction (.tar): Fixes a problem that could prevent extracting .tar archives when file or folder names contained more than 34 commonly used Chinese characters.
• Group Policy / AVD behavior: Corrects a Group Policy/Configuration Service Provider (CSP) issue where the HideRecommendedSection policy did not suppress the Recommended section in File Explorer for Windows 11 Enterprise multi‑session environments (for example, Azure Virtual Desktop).
• Country and Operator Settings Asset (COSA): Updates profiles for certain mobile operators so carrier‑driven settings and operator data are current.

These are quality and reliability fixes rather than security patches. The primary user impact is improved stability and a better, less disruptive File Explorer experience.

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Deep dive: the File Explorer responsiveness bug​

What users experienced​

The File Explorer problem reported by users had a common symptom: after certain interactions (often involving the context menu), the main body of the File Explorer window would stop responding to mouse clicks. Left and right clicks would appear to have no effect until the user closed and relaunched File Explorer. This made basic file operations — selecting, opening, or right‑clicking items — awkward and, for some workflows, effectively blocked productivity until the app was restarted.

Likely technical cause (analysis)​

While Microsoft’s release notes do not go into low‑level root cause detail, the behavior is consistent with an event‑handling or UI thread deadlock scenario:

• File Explorer is a user‑mode shell process that relies on multiple threads and message pumping for UI events. If the thread that processes mouse messages becomes blocked while handling a context menu or an associated shell extension, subsequent clicks can be ignored until the blocking condition clears.
• Third‑party shell extensions and context‑menu handlers are a frequent source of intermittent File Explorer hangs. A race condition introduced by recent internal changes to context menu flow or to the timing of extension callbacks could manifest as non‑responsiveness after the menu is invoked.
• The fact the problem intermittently self‑resolves after a restart suggests the fix likely adjusts internal synchronization, message pumping, or error handling around context‑menu operations to prevent the UI thread from entering a blocked state.

Why this matters​

File Explorer is the central user interface for file management in Windows. Even occasional hangs or click blindness degrade perceived reliability and increase support calls. Fixing this behavior improves the everyday experience and reduces the likelihood of user attempts to forcibly terminate or restart shell processes (which can have knock‑on effects like closing open file dialogs, losing clipboard context, or breaking other shell extensions).

What the update does functionally​

The update’s release notes state the bug has been addressed; while the exact code changes are not public, users should expect:

• Restored responsiveness in the File Explorer body following context‑menu interactions.
• Reduced need to restart File Explorer or log out to recover normal operation.
• Better tolerance when interacting with context‑menu extensions and when opening folders from other apps.

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Other fixes and their practical impact​

.tar extraction with long Chinese filenames​

The .tar extraction problem was a niche but real interoperability issue: extracting archives that contained file or folder names made up of more than 34 commonly used Chinese characters could fail. That threshold behavior points to a string‑length or encoding handling bug in the archive extraction code path.
Impact: Users who rely on built‑in archive extraction, or IT teams who distribute archives containing long Chinese filenames, will see improved extraction reliability after installing the update.

Group Policy: HideRecommendedSection in multi‑session environments​

Enterprise admins had reported that the HideRecommendedSection Group Policy or CSP setting failed to hide the Recommended section in multi‑session environments like Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD), even when correctly configured.
Impact: For organizations using multi‑session Windows 11 images, especially in managed desktop environments, this fix restores a consistent policy outcome — administrators can control the appearance of the Recommended section as intended. That matters for compliance, user experience consistency, and minimizing distractions in shared desktop deployments.

COSA profiles​

Carrier profile updates affecting Country and Operator Settings Asset (COSA) ensure mobile devices and tethering scenarios behave correctly with operator‑provided settings. This is a routine but necessary update for operator compatibility.
Impact: Users who rely on mobile operator provisioning profiles or network configuration items should experience fewer operator‑specific configuration issues.

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Distribution and rollout: what to expect​

The update was first observed in the Release Preview channel as build 22631.6269. Microsoft typically uses Release Preview as the last testing ring before pushing non‑security fixes wider via the optional monthly C‑release or the next Patch Tuesday.
Typical servicing path:

1. Preview ring (Release Preview) — early testers and Insiders receive the build.
2. Optional install (C‑release) — offered to all users as an optional, non‑security preview in Windows Update (manual install).
3. Patch Tuesday (B‑release) — fixes that pass testing are rolled into the next monthly security update if applicable.

For organizations and end users this means:

• Insiders and testers in Release Preview can install immediately.
• For broader audiences, Microsoft may later publish the update as an optional cumulative update (the non‑security preview) that can be installed manually from Windows Update or through the Microsoft Update Catalog.
• If the fix is deemed appropriate for general release, it will be incorporated into the next regular Patch Tuesday cumulative update.

Important nuance: reports vary about the exact build number pushed to the optional channel (some outlets cited an incremental build number such as 22631.6276 for the optional release). That specific incremental build observation could not be independently confirmed against official update history at the time of writing and should be treated as unverified until Microsoft’s update catalog and support pages show the final, public build identifier. Administrators should confirm the exact KB/build numbers through their internal update metadata or the Microsoft Update Catalog before mass deployment.

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How to get KB5070312 (practical steps)​

If immediate remediation is required, there are a few paths to obtain the update:

1. Enroll in Release Preview (Insider) channel and check Windows Update:
   1. Open Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program.
   2. Enroll the device in the Release Preview channel.
   3. Return to Windows Update and click Check for updates.
   4. Install the preview build when it appears.
2. Wait for the optional (C‑release) listing in Windows Update:
   • Microsoft typically lists non‑security previews under “Optional updates” in Windows Update when they are offered broadly. This requires the user to manually select and install.
3. Manual download from the Microsoft Update Catalog:
   • When Microsoft publishes the KB to the Update Catalog, administrators can download the standalone MSU or CAB file and deploy via WSUS, SCCM, Intune, or scripting.
4. For organizations, use managed deployment tools:
   • Import the update into WSUS/SCCM or assign via Intune once it’s available in the catalog and approved for distribution.

Installers should review the package title and build number before deployment. For production environments, the conservative approach is to pilot the update on representative machines (client pilots and multi‑session images) before broad deployment.

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Enterprise considerations and the servicing window​

Because Home and Pro SKUs of Windows 11 version 23H2 reached the end of servicing for consumer editions in November, the importance of updates like KB5070312 differs between audiences:

• Home / Pro users on 23H2: These consumer SKUs will not receive further security servicing for 23H2; installing quality-only preview updates is possible but does not alter the end‑of‑servicing reality. Users should plan to move to a supported feature update (24H2 or 25H2) to continue receiving monthly security updates.
• Enterprise / Education on 23H2: These SKUs have an extended servicing window. Quality updates released for 23H2 remain relevant for managed environments; fixes that address AVD or Group Policy behavior are particularly valuable to administrators.
• Multi‑session and virtual desktop infrastructures (VDI/AVD): The HideRecommendedSection Group Policy fix restores predictable policy enforcement in multi‑session images, which matters for shared image consistency and compliance.

Rolling out a Release Preview or optional non‑security update in a managed environment requires coordination and a pilot stage. Because these are non‑security changes, many organizations will prefer to wait for the next Patch Tuesday cumulative update where fixes have wider validation.

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Risk, testing, and rollback​

Non‑security preview updates are lower risk than feature updates, but they are not risk‑free. Common prudence steps include:

• Pilot: Install the update on a representative set of endpoints (including devices running third‑party shell extensions and AV products).
• Test: Verify File Explorer workflows, archive extraction paths for .tar with non‑ASCII filenames, and policy behavior in lab AVD images.
• Monitor: Use telemetry and helpdesk triage to catch regressions early.
• Rollback: If problems occur, the update can be uninstalled from Settings > Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates, or by using the appropriate MSU uninstall command and system restore as needed.

Potential regressions to be mindful of:

• Compatibility with third‑party shell extensions or context‑menu handlers.
• Unexpected interactions with file managers or file‑type handler software.
• Policy enforcement quirks in heavily customized multi‑session images.

Because the update touches UI and file‑handling code paths, administrators should pay attention to any reports of missing thumbnails, context menu anomalies, or file association regressions after deployment.

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Recommendations​

For most users:

• If you are seeing the File Explorer non‑responsiveness problem, installing the Release Preview or optional KB5070312 update is a reasonable step to try — but make sure to back up important data first and check whether your workflow is affected by third‑party shell extensions.
• If you rely on .tar extraction of files with long Chinese filenames, the update addresses a specific extraction failure.

For IT administrators:

• Pilot the update in a controlled test group that mirrors your production environment, including multi‑session AVD images.
• Validate Group Policy and CSP behavior in multi‑session images (specifically HideRecommendedSection) post‑install.
• Prefer to wait for the Patch Tuesday cumulative update for broader enterprise rollout unless the fix addresses an immediate, high‑impact problem for users.

For organizations on 23H2 Home/Pro:

• Plan upgrades: consumer SKUs on 23H2 have reached the end of servicing and should be upgraded to a supported version to keep receiving security updates.
• Consider scheduling migrations to 24H2 or 25H2 using Windows Update for Business or established deployment tooling.

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What to watch next​

• Official Microsoft update history and the Microsoft Update Catalog should be checked for final build numbers and the published KB entry. Exact incremental build identifiers for the optional release were reported in some outlets but at the time of writing not all variants were verifiable through the official catalog — confirm the KB/build numbers against Microsoft’s published metadata before automating deployment.
• Monitor Windows Insider and enterprise forums for early reports of regressions, particularly around shell extensions, AV interaction, and multi‑session policy enforcement.
• Expect any fixes that pass validation in Release Preview to be rolled into the next Patch Tuesday bundle if they are applicable and relevant for the broader user base.

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Conclusion​

KB5070312 is a pragmatic, quality‑focused update that targets pain points many Windows 11 users and IT administrators have experienced — especially the frustrating File Explorer click‑responsiveness issue. For users affected by the bug, the update promises a tangible improvement in day‑to‑day file management. For enterprises, the Group Policy fix for multi‑session images restores predictable policy behavior in hosted desktop scenarios.
That said, because Windows 11 version 23H2 is in a staggered servicing state (consumer editions out of support, commercial editions still supported for a limited time), administrators must weigh the immediate benefits of the preview fix against the operational discipline of staged testing and conservative deployment. Confirm the exact KB/build metadata in the Microsoft Update Catalog and your management tooling before wide rollout, pilot on representative systems, and only proceed to broad deployment once you have validated the update in your own environment.

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Source: Neowin KB5070312: Windows 11 gets optional update that fixes annoying File Explorer bug

 

[ChatGPT]

Microsoft has released an optional quality update for Windows 11, version 23H2 — KB5070312 — delivered to Release Preview Insiders as Build 22631.6269 (with a later Microsoft KB listing showing OS Build 22631.6276), and it addresses a set of targeted reliability issues including a frustrating File Explorer responsiveness bug, an internationalized .tar extraction edge case, and a Group Policy regression affecting multi‑session environments.

Background / Overview​

Windows 11, version 23H2 is at the tail end of its consumer servicing lifecycle, and KB5070312 arrives as a non‑security, optional preview meant to resolve discrete quality problems rather than to introduce new consumer features. The package is a combined cumulative LCU plus a servicing‑stack update (SSU) and was published to the Release Preview channel before broader optional distribution. Microsoft’s official KB page lists the release date as November 20, 2025 and identifies the update as addressing four principal areas: Country and Operator Settings Asset (COSA) profile updates, a File Explorer mouse‑click responsiveness fix, a .tar extraction failure involving long Chinese‑character filenames, and a Group Policy/CSP fix for the HideRecommendedSection setting in Enterprise multi‑session environments such as Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD). The package also includes SSU KB5071963 (servicing stack build 22621.6265) to stabilize future update delivery. Why this matters now: Home and Pro installations of 23H2 reached end of servicing on November 11, 2025 (consumer editions), while Enterprise and Education SKUs remain supported for a defined interval into 2026. That servicing context makes KB5070312 primarily relevant to enterprise and education customers still on 23H2, but it is also visible in Release Preview for testers and enthusiasts who want the fix early.

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What’s in KB5070312 — the concise changelog​

• Country and Operator Settings Asset (COSA): updates operator profiles for certain mobile carriers to keep provisioning and connectivity behavior current.
• File Explorer: fixes an issue where File Explorer could stop responding to mouse clicks (left and right) until the app was closed and reopened, effectively rendering the main view non‑reactive.
• File management (.tar extraction): corrects a bug where extracting .tar archives could fail when file or folder names contained more than 34 commonly used Chinese characters.
• Group Policy and Configuration: restores expected behavior for the HideRecommendedSection policy in Windows 11 Enterprise multi‑session images (AVD), where recommendations previously continued to appear despite policy settings.
• Servicing Stack Update (SSU KB5071963): strengthens the update plumbing so future updates install reliably; note that SSUs bundled with LCUs are not removable by wusa.exe once applied.

Multiple independent outlets and community mirrors reported the release and corroborated the list of fixes observed in the Release Preview channel. That cross‑verification reduces the chance the listing is erroneous, but exact build suffixes showed slight variation between early Release Preview entries and Microsoft’s final KB metadata — a common occurrence for preview→production transitions.

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Deep dive: the File Explorer responsiveness bug​

Symptoms and user impact​

Affected users reported that after certain interactions (commonly context‑menu actions or opening submenus), the main File Explorer window would appear normal but ignore left and right mouse clicks until the app was restarted. Typical user workarounds were to restart explorer.exe or reboot the machine, which restores functionality but costs time and loses window state. The bug was disruptive because File Explorer is the primary hub for file navigation, previews, drag & drop, and shell integrations.

Likely technical pattern (what we can infer)​

Microsoft’s public notes do not include low‑level code diffs, so the precise root cause remains undisclosed. However, the symptom profile is consistent with a UI‑thread deadlock or blocked message pump. Practical engineering patterns that produce similar behavior include:

• Synchronous shell extension or context‑menu handlers running on the UI thread.
• Cloud sync or storage provider callbacks that block Explorer while waiting for network I/O.
• Archive enumeration or file enumeration code paths performing long synchronous work during UI interaction.
• A race condition in focus/click routing or in the context‑menu open/close lifecycle.

These are reasoned inferences based on past Explorer regressions and observed repros; the update’s fix likely adjusts internal synchronization, message pumping, or error handling to prevent click handlers from being starved. Microsoft has not published a line‑by‑line change log, so treat the exact internal fix as unverified beyond Microsoft’s symptom description.

Practical implications for users and admins​

• The fix reduces the need for users to restart Explorer — a real productivity win for anyone whose workflow relies on Explorer windows, context menus, and shell integration.
• Third‑party context menu handlers and shell extensions remain common sources of instability; even after this KB, administrators and power users should validate environments with known third‑party integrations.

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Reproducing, testing and troubleshooting the Explorer issue​

Use this checklist to validate the fix on test machines before broad deployment.

• Reproduce the symptom on a pre‑update test machine:
• Open File Explorer and reproduce the sequence that caused ignored clicks (e.g., open context menu on files/folders, use certain shell extensions, navigate between cloud folders).
• Install KB5070312 on a lab/test machine (Release Preview or optional preview channel).
• Repeat the repro sequence and observe whether clicks are handled normally.
• If Explorer remains unresponsive post‑KB, collect diagnostics:
• Event Viewer: Application and System logs.
• Reliability Monitor records.
• Capture a UI hang trace with Process Explorer, WinsDbg user‑mode dumps, or Performance Recorder traces if available.
• Evaluate third‑party shell extensions: temporarily disable non‑Microsoft context menu handlers (ShellExView or equivalent) and retest.
• Confirm sync clients (OneDrive, Dropbox, enterprise cloud agents) are up to date and test with those clients active and inactive.

Restarting explorer.exe (Task Manager → Windows Explorer → Restart) remains the fastest user‑level recovery if the symptom occurs. For enterprise reporting, gather the exact OS build string from Settings → System → About and attach Feedback Hub traces when filing with Microsoft.

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The .tar extraction edge case (internationalization nuance)​

KB5070312 fixes a brittle extraction condition where files or folders inside a .tar archive that contain more than 34 commonly used Chinese characters could fail to extract. This precise threshold suggests a string‑length or code‑path truncation bug in the archive handling code — not a generic Unicode failure, but a reproducible edge case that affects archives shared in Chinese locales. Why this matters:

• Organizations exchanging multilingual archives — especially those that rely on built‑in Windows archive handlers — could encounter extraction failures and data loss if they rely on the affected path.
• The fix is targeted but important for cross‑locale interoperability; administrators in global organizations should include multilingual archive test cases in validation suites.

Testing tip: create .tar archives with filenames composed of long runs of Chinese characters and validate extraction both with File Explorer’s native extraction and with third‑party tools (7‑Zip, GNU tar). Confirm both pre‑ and post‑KB behavior in a controlled lab.

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Group Policy / AVD: HideRecommendedSection behavior restored​

Enterprise admins deploying Windows 11 Enterprise multi‑session images in Azure Virtual Desktop reported that HideRecommendedSection policy (via Group Policy or CSP) failed to suppress Recommended content in File Explorer sessions. KB5070312 explicitly addresses that regression, restoring policy enforcement in multi‑session scenarios. This is important for organizations that rely on predictable UI lockdowns for compliance, classroom environments, or managed kiosk experiences. Operational guidance:

• Pilot the KB on representative multi‑session hosts (AVD/Windows 365 multi‑session) and confirm CSP/Group Policy application during provisioning and on session hosts.
• Check for image caching or provisioning timing issues; policy enforcement failures sometimes surface from orchestration timing rather than pure policy logic.
• Test in both freshly provisioned session hosts and in cached/updated images to confirm the fix is robust.

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Servicing stack update (SSU KB5071963) and rollback caveats​

KB5070312 includes an SSU (KB5071963, servicing stack build 22621.6265). Bundling SSUs with LCUs is standard practice to improve the reliability of future update operations. Important operational considerations:

• SSU immutability: When an SSU is installed together with an LCU, the SSU component cannot be removed using wusa.exe /uninstall. Administrators who need to remove only the LCU must use DISM to target the package name; the SSU will remain. Plan imaging and rollback strategies accordingly.
• Pilot image testing: Because SSUs change the update plumbing, organizations should validate SSU+LCU combos in lab images before broad deployment, particularly if reference images are tightly controlled.

If a rapid rollback is necessary, common options include uninstalling the LCU via DISM or restoring from a snapshot/sysprepped image — but uninstalling SSU is not supported via the normal GUI uninstall route.

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How to get KB5070312 and deployment pathways​

• For individual testers and enthusiasts: Enroll in the Windows Insider Release Preview channel (Settings → Windows Update → Windows Insider Program) and use Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates. The build was rolled to Release Preview Insiders initially (Build 22631.6269) and is listed as OS Build 22631.6276 in Microsoft’s KB entry.
• For managed environments:
• Microsoft Update Catalog: import MSU or CAB to WSUS/SCCM/Intune once Microsoft publishes the package.
• Windows Update for Business: optional preview channel/preview rings as configured.
• WSUS: manual import from the catalog for offline or controlled staging.

Recommended deployment sequence for IT:

• Validate on a small pilot ring that mirrors production (including multi‑session AVD images and representative third‑party shell extensions).
• Monitor telemetry/helpdesk for new or recurring issues for a week after pilot deployment.
• Expand to broader rings if no regressions are observed, or wait for the next Patch Tuesday cumulative if conservative rollout is preferred.

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Rollback and remediation steps (concise)​

• To uninstall the LCU after combined SSU+LCU install:
• Identify package name: DISM /Online /Get-Packages
• Remove the LCU: DISM /Online /Remove-Package /PackageName:<LCU‑Name>
  Note: running wusa.exe /uninstall on the combined package will not remove the SSU; the SSU will remain.
• Fast user recovery for Explorer hangs: Ctrl+Shift+Esc → Task Manager → right‑click Windows Explorer → Restart.
• If Explorer hangs persist after the KB, disable third‑party shell extensions and retest; collect logs for Feedback Hub and Microsoft Support as needed.

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Strengths — what KB5070312 gets right​

• Targeted, high‑impact fixes: The Explorer responsiveness bug had an outsized effect on day‑to‑day productivity; addressing it directly delivers meaningful user benefit with minimal surface area for unintended behavior changes.
• Attention to internationalization: Fixing a precise .tar extraction failure for Chinese filenames shows Microsoft is listening to non‑English locale issues that can silently break cross‑border workflows.
• Enterprise policy correctness: Restoring HideRecommendedSection behavior for multi‑session images helps maintain predictable UI control in AVD and similar shared‑desktop environments.
• Servicing stack inclusion: Bundling an SSU reduces future update failures and improves the reliability of cumulative updates.

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Risks, caveats and testing priorities​

• Preview nature and staged rollout: KB5070312 is a non‑security preview; by design it’s intended for testing. Organizations should avoid automatic broad production deployment until pilot results are green.
• SSU immutability: Once the SSU part of the combined package is applied, it cannot be removed through the normal GUI uninstall path — this affects rollback options. Test thoroughly in lab images and document rollback procedures.
• Third‑party integrations: Because Explorer interacts with many third‑party components (shell extensions, cloud sync clients, antivirus hooks), the fix could expose or reveal different edge cases on specific hardware or in environments with old drivers. Pilot across a representative hardware/software matrix.
• Servicing timeline nuance: Home and Pro SKUs for 23H2 are out of consumer servicing as of November 11, 2025; installing quality-only preview updates does not substitute for moving to a supported feature update (24H2 or 25H2) to continue receiving security updates. Administrators should incorporate OS upgrade planning into the wider deployment strategy.
• Lack of low‑level transparency: Microsoft’s changelog describes symptoms and outcomes rather than line‑level code changes; for high‑assurance or compliance‑sensitive environments this creates a verification gap. Validate functionally and capture diagnostics when rolling out.

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Practical recommendations — who should install and when​

• For most home users: If you’re unaffected by the Explorer hang and you’re on a consumer 23H2 device that has reached end of servicing, prioritize upgrading to a supported feature update (24H2/25H2). Installing an optional preview will not extend security servicing.
• For power users and testers: Install KB5070312 on a non‑production machine or an image clone to validate fixes, especially if you experienced the Explorer click‑blindness. Test cloud sync and shell extension scenarios you rely on.
• For enterprise and VDI administrators: Pilot the update in a ring that includes multi‑session AVD images, devices with common third‑party shell integrations, and representative imaging/provisioning pipelines. Verify HideRecommendedSection behavior post‑install and confirm that COSA updates don’t affect custom mobile provisioning workflows. Consider waiting for the next Patch Tuesday cumulative if you prefer broader validation before mass rollout.

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Final assessment​

KB5070312 is a pragmatic, maintenance‑grade release focused on restoring normal behavior in some of Windows 11’s most visible user touchpoints. The File Explorer fix alone justifies testing for organizations and users who experienced the ignored‑click symptom, and the Group Policy patch restores an important governance control for multi‑session deployments. The inclusion of an SSU is sensible for long‑term reliability, but it raises standard operational concerns about rollback and the usual caution of installing preview packages in production.
Because the update is optional and non‑security, conservative administrators will prefer to pilot the package and then either accept it into their next monthly rollup or wait for the Patch Tuesday cycle. Home users on 23H2 should treat this as a stopgap at best — the strategic move remains migrating to a supported Windows 11 feature update to continue receiving security updates.

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Quick reference — commands, checks and useful reminders​

• Check current build: Win + R → winver (confirm 22631.xxxx string).
• Install path: Settings → Windows Update → Optional updates available (Release Preview devices), or Microsoft Update Catalog / WSUS for managed deployments.
• Uninstall LCU only (if required):
• DISM /Online /Get-Packages
• DISM /Online /Remove-Package /PackageName:<LCU‑Name>
  Note: SSU remains after combined install.
• Fast temporary recovery for Explorer: Task Manager → Windows Explorer → Restart.

KB5070312 demonstrates focused quality work — not headline features — but for environments where Explorer reliability, multilingual archive handling, or multi‑session policy enforcement matter, it is a meaningful update to test and consider for deployment. Treat it as a staging‑first change: pilot, validate, and then expand based on your organization’s risk posture and servicing timeline.

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Source: Windows Report Windows 11 KB5070312 Fixes File Explorer Bugs & More