Microsoft April Patch Tuesday: Fixes and Features for Windows 11 Users

Microsoft’s April Patch Tuesday brings a welcome reprieve for Windows 11 users—especially for those who’ve been scratching their heads over File Explorer’s bizarre behavior. If you’ve ever been frustrated by the advanced settings menu opening in the wrong direction, you know exactly what we’re talking about. But thanks to the mandatory KB5055523 security update, that peculiar glitch is now history. Let’s dive into the details of the update, what it fixes, and the broader implications for Windows users around the globe.

Patch Tuesday: A Mixed Bag of Fixes and Fresh Features​

Every second Tuesday of the month, Microsoft rolls out a suite of updates under the moniker “Patch Tuesday.” This month is no different, as the tech giant bundles security patches, bug fixes, and several new system improvements into one comprehensive update package.
For those on Windows 11 24H2, the spotlight is on the KB5055523 patch. This update not only squashes one of File Explorer’s strangest UI bugs but also integrates a host of enhancements from its predecessor update, KB5053656, which originally debuted as a Preview build on March 27, 2025. In essence, KB5055523 has absorbed the best of the previous release while addressing critical security and system stability issues.

Key Takeaways:​

• KB5055523 is a mandatory security update.
• It remedies a long-standing File Explorer menu issue.
• The update includes improvements originally introduced in KB5053656.
• Various other system and application enhancements have been bundled into this update.

Squashing the File Explorer UI Bug: A Closer Look​

Anyone who regularly uses File Explorer in Windows 11 knows how essential it is for the advanced settings menu to behave predictably. Previously, when a user clicked on that infamous three dots (...) menu, the contextual pop-up would sometimes open in the wrong direction, rendering it nearly impossible to access the options tucked away inside. It’s a bug that turned a simple navigation task into a daily frustration.
Microsoft’s fix addresses this UI peculiarity head-on. Now, when you click the menu, it reliably appears in the correct position, allowing you to access File Explorer’s advanced settings without any hassle. It may seem like a small change, but for many users, it significantly improves workflow efficiency and reduces irritation—a welcome improvement for both casual users and power users alike.

What Changed?​

• The “See more” or advanced options menu in File Explorer now consistently opens in the correct direction.
• The fix increases accessibility and usability, especially in layouts where screen real estate is tight.

A Glimpse at the Broader Update: Beyond File Explorer​

While the File Explorer fix garners headlines, the April update is much more than a simple UI tweak. Here’s an in-depth look at the broader set of changes:

Critical Fixes and Stability Improvements​

• System Stability and BSOD Resolution:
• A critical issue that previously led to a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) when Windows 11 24H2 devices woke from sleep has been addressed. This fix is particularly important for maintaining system stability and ensuring that users don’t face unexpected crashes during daily operations.
• Task Manager Enhancements:
• The Task Manager now calculates CPU usage consistently across the Processes, Performance, and Users pages. This standardization aligns Windows metrics with industry standards, making it easier for users and administrators to monitor system performance accurately.
• An optional “CPU Utility” column remains available, offering backward compatibility for those who prefer the previous display metrics.
• Authentication and Boot Menu Fixes:
• Several fixes have been applied to the Kerberos authentication process, ensuring that systems using RC4 encryption no longer experience hangs.
• The update resolves issues with FIDO Cached Credential Logon and prevents unexpected lockouts following a password change.
• An important boot menu fix now avoids creating non-functional entries when an update stops responding and rolls back. For users who have already encountered these issues, adjustments can be made via the System Configuration (msconfig) utility.
• MSI and Application Installation Fixes:
• Problems with the MsiCloseHandle API—especially when processing MSI files containing a large number of files—have been resolved, ensuring smoother installation and uninstallation processes.

New Features and UI Enhancements​

The update also rolls out a treasure trove of new features aimed at modernizing Windows 11, particularly for devices with next-generation capabilities:

• Enhanced Windows Search on Copilot+ PCs:
• One of the crown jewels of this update is the overhaul of Windows Search for Copilot+ PCs. Powered by both traditional lexical indexing and cutting-edge semantic indexing models, finding documents, photos, and settings has never been easier.
• The upgrade means that even if you can’t recall exact file names or settings labels, just typing a natural phrase like “change my theme” will yield the relevant result.
• This smart search functionality is optimized for Snapdragon-powered devices initially, with AMD and Intel support on the horizon.
• Cloud-Integrated Photo Search:
• Searching for images now works across both local and cloud-stored photos. Whether you’re looking for “summer picnics” or something more specific, File Explorer will include matching photos from your OneDrive alongside those stored on your device.
• Gamepad Keyboard Layout for Touch Devices:
• A new gamepad keyboard layout has been introduced for the Windows 11 touch keyboard. This layout includes button accelerators (for instance, the X button functions as backspace) and vertically aligned keys, enhancing controller navigation for gaming and accessibility purposes.
• Emoji and More: System Tray Icon Revamp:
• To boost the discoverability of emoji and additional panels, a new system tray icon now appears in the taskbar. Initially available to a select group of devices, it promises a more intuitive way to access these fun and functional features.
• Live Captions with Real-Time Translation:
• Communication just got a lot smarter. The Live Captions feature now supports real-time translation into over 44 languages, making it easier for users to follow conversations during video calls, recordings, and streamed contents.
• On devices powered by Snapdragon chips, Chinese (Simplified) now benefits from the translation functionality, with further language support including Arabic, German, Japanese, and more.
• Settings Redefined:
• Under Settings > System > About, “top cards” now provide an at-a-glance view of your PC’s key specifications—processor, RAM, storage, and GPU. This immediately offers insight into your system’s capabilities without digging through multiple menus.
• Additionally, Japanese users benefit from a refined name display format in the Accounts section, ensuring that names appear in a culturally appropriate order.
• Voice Access and Widget Enhancements:
• Natural language capabilities have been integrated into Voice Access, enabling users to command their devices with a more conversational tone. Initially available on Snapdragon-powered PCs, this update also introduces Chinese support for voice commands.
• Lock screen widgets have now arrived in the European Economic Area (EEA). Users can add, remove, and rearrange widgets such as Weather, Sports, and Traffic to keep their most critical information visible at a glance.
• Windows Studio Effects will now display an icon in the system tray when using NPU-equipped devices, allowing users to quickly access enhanced camera and visual settings in Quick Settings.

Rollout Strategies: Gradual Versus Normal​

Microsoft’s approach with this update is a blend of gradual and immediate rollouts:

• Gradual Rollout:
  Certain new features, like the enhanced Windows Search and photo search improvements on Copilot+ PCs, are being deployed gradually. This means that while some users will experience these enhancements immediately, others might see them roll out over time.
• Normal Rollout:
  Critical fixes and system improvements—such as the UI bug fix in File Explorer, BSOD resolution, and standardized CPU usage metrics in Task Manager—are part of the normal rollout and should be available to all users promptly.

Implications for Everyday Users and Enterprise Environments​

The April 2025 update is more than just a series of bug fixes. It represents Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to improving user experience, system stability, and accessibility. Let’s consider some real-world implications:

• Enhanced Productivity:
• For users who rely on File Explorer for daily tasks, the UI fix may seem minor, but the reduction in navigational errors can save precious time and reduce frustration. This kind of polish is essential for maintaining productivity.
• Improved System Reliability:
• Fixes that address BSODs and authentication issues significantly enhance system reliability. Fewer crashes and smoother sleep/wake cycles mean uninterrupted work, which is particularly critical in corporate environments where downtime can be costly.
• Smarter and More Intuitive Search:
• The semantic search improvements mean that even if you’re not a tech whiz, you no longer need to remember file names or precise keywords. This is a game-changer for professionals and casual users alike, making the system more accessible and user-friendly.
• Enhanced Multimedia and Accessibility:
• Live Captions and real-time translation features open up new possibilities for communication in a globalized world, ensuring that language barriers don’t hinder productivity or accessibility.
• The gamepad keyboard and voice access improvements further reinforce Windows 11’s commitment to inclusivity, making the system easier to navigate for everyone, regardless of the input device or language.
• Streamlined System Management:
• Administrators will appreciate the fixes in boot menu management and MSI handling. Smooth installations and cleaner boot menus mean fewer headaches when managing large fleets of PCs in enterprise settings.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Update​

To make the most of these improvements and ensure your system remains secure and stable, consider adopting the following best practices:

• Always back up your important data before installing system updates.
• Monitor the update rollout status—while critical fixes are deployed immediately, some new features may take a bit longer to appear.
• For enterprise environments, test updates on a subset of devices before rolling them out company-wide.
• Visit WindowsForum.com for discussions and tips on post-update experiences to troubleshoot any issues early.

Final Thoughts: A Step Towards a More Refined Windows Experience​

Microsoft’s April Patch Tuesday update is a reminder that even the quirkiest, most seemingly trivial bugs—like the File Explorer menu opening in the wrong direction—can have a significant impact on user experience. With this rollout, Windows 11 24H2 users are set to enjoy a more polished system, thanks to numerous enhancements that span from advanced search and multimedia features to critical bug fixes that improve overall system reliability.
While the playful quirk of a misbehaving menu might have once drawn a few chuckles (and considerable frustration) in IT circles, its resolution exemplifies Microsoft’s attention to detail. It also signals that even in the midst of adding futuristic features like semantic search and AI-powered live translation, the company hasn’t lost sight of the basics—ensuring that everyday navigation and system functionality remain as seamless and intuitive as possible.

Summary of Key Points:​

• The mandatory KB5055523 update fixes the misaligned File Explorer advanced menu, boosting usability for Windows 11 24H2 users.
• Critical fixes include resolving a BSOD issue when waking from sleep and standardizing CPU metrics in Task Manager.
• The update introduces exciting new features such as enhanced Windows Search on Copilot+ PCs, cloud-integrated photo search, and an improved gamepad keyboard layout.
• Live Captions now support real-time translation in over 44 languages, while Voice Access sees improvements with natural language support and Chinese language integration.
• Gradual rollout features are being deployed alongside immediate critical fixes, ensuring both system stability and future-forward enhancements.
• Enterprise users benefit from fixes in boot menu management, authentication, MSI handling, and more—making the update a boon for both individual and business environments.

Ultimately, this comprehensive update showcases Microsoft’s ability to balance robust security enhancements and critical system fixes with innovative, user-friendly features. Whether you’re a daily File Explorer user, a productivity enthusiast, or an IT administrator responsible for managing numerous devices, this update is designed to streamline your computing experience while paving the way for more intelligent, accessible, and responsive Windows features in the future.
For any Windows geek keeping tabs on the latest developments, this update is a positive indicator that, despite occasional oddities, Microsoft remains committed to refining and enhancing every aspect of the Windows experience. Now’s the time to ensure your systems are updated—and enjoy a smoother, smarter Windows 11 experience every day.

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Source: XDA Microsoft squashes one of File Explorer's strangest UI bugs in April's Patch Tuesday