Windows 11 24H2 Update: File Explorer Bugs and Microsoft's Response

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November 5, 2023
The highly anticipated Windows 11 24H2 update, which promised a host of new features and enhancements, has unfortunately been marred by a series of perplexing bugs that are frustrating users across the globe. Among these issues, a particularly troubling glitch in the File Explorer has captured significant attention, raising concerns about the update's stability and Microsoft's quality assurance processes.

The Elusive Ellipsis Menu: A File Explorer Fiasco​

At the heart of the latest woes is a malfunction within the File Explorer's toolbar, specifically affecting the three-dot (ellipsis) menu button. Commonly referred to as the "meatballs," this button is integral for accessing additional options within File Explorer, including crucial network-related functionalities. However, in the 24H2 update, users have reported that clicking this button causes the flyout menu to appear incorrectly positioned above the toolbar, rather than below it.

Impact on Full-Screen Mode​

The issue becomes particularly problematic when File Explorer is operated in full-screen mode. Under these circumstances, the misaligned ellipsis menu flies off the top of the screen, rendering it inaccessible. This not only hampers user productivity by limiting access to essential functions but also signifies a deeper flaw in the user interface design and implementation.

Temporary Workaround​

While Microsoft acknowledges the severity of the problem, a temporary fix is available, albeit cumbersome. Users can mitigate the issue by resizing the File Explorer window from full-screen to a smaller, windowed mode and positioning it centrally on the desktop. This adjustment allows the flyout menu to display correctly within the visible bounds of the screen. However, this workaround is far from ideal and underscores the need for a more permanent resolution.

Microsoft's Response and Roadmap to a Fix​

Microsoft has officially acknowledged the glitch and reassured users that a fix is forthcoming. According to sources, the resolution is slated to be included in a future cumulative update. However, this fix is unlikely to coincide with the next imminent update set for release on November 12, suggesting that users may have to wait until the December update to see the issue rectified.
The delay hints at the complexity of the underlying problem, possibly tied to the extensive changes introduced in the 24H2 update. The new version is built on an entirely new platform code-named 'Germanium,' which could be contributing to the unexpected malfunctions observed in core components like File Explorer.

A String of Additional Glitches Plague the 24H2 Update​

The File Explorer ellipsis menu is not the sole casualty of the 24H2 update's rocky rollout. Users have also encountered a variety of other bugs that disrupt the normal operation of Windows 11:

Task Manager Reporting Zero Processes​

One of the more alarming issues affects the Task Manager, where it erroneously displays zero running processes despite multiple applications actively operating in the background. This anomaly not only confuses users but also poses potential security concerns, as accurate process monitoring is crucial for identifying unauthorized or malicious activity.

Misreported Drive Space​

Another reported glitch involves the misrepresentation of drive space usage. Users have noted that the 24H2 update falsely indicates that some of their precious storage is being consumed, even when no additional data has been added. This misleading information can lead to unnecessary concern and misinformed decisions regarding data management.

Underlying Causes: The 'Germanium' Platform Shift​

The cascade of bugs affecting the 24H2 update appears to be symptomatic of the significant architectural changes introduced with the 'Germanium' platform. Transitioning to a new foundational framework invariably introduces complexities and unforeseen issues, particularly in an operating system as fundamental as Windows 11. It is plausible that the integration of Germanium has disrupted existing functionalities, leading to the myriad of interface-related problems currently plaguing users.

Implications for Users and Microsoft's Quality Assurance​

The emergence of these critical bugs shortly after the release of the 24H2 update raises questions about Microsoft's quality assurance processes. Releasing an update with such fundamental flaws, especially those affecting core utilities like File Explorer and Task Manager, undermines user trust and satisfaction. It also highlights the challenges inherent in large-scale software updates, where ensuring compatibility and stability across diverse hardware configurations is a monumental task.
For users, the immediate recommendation is to monitor Microsoft's announcements for upcoming fixes and consider delaying the update if the encountered bugs significantly impede their workflow. Additionally, providing feedback through official channels can help Microsoft prioritize and address the most pressing issues.

Looking Ahead: Anticipating the December Update​

Despite the current frustrations, there is hope on the horizon. Microsoft has signaled its commitment to resolving these issues in the forthcoming December update for Windows 11 24H2. If successfully implemented, this update could restore functionality to affected components and enhance the overall user experience, solidifying Windows 11's position as a reliable and user-friendly operating system.
In the meantime, users are advised to stay informed through official Microsoft channels and trusted tech news sources to receive timely updates on the status of these bugs and the availability of patches.

Conclusion​

The Windows 11 24H2 update's array of bugs serves as a stark reminder of the complexities involved in evolving a widely-used operating system. While Microsoft's proactive acknowledgment of the issues and commitment to forthcoming fixes are positive signs, the presence of such critical glitches shortly after release is concerning. Users eager to leverage the new features of 24H2 may need to exercise patience and caution until the update's stability is fully restored with the expected December patch.
As Microsoft continues to refine and enhance Windows 11, the feedback and experiences of its user base will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the future iterations of the platform, striving towards a balance of innovation and reliability that meets the diverse needs of its global audience.

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Source: TweakTown Flag on the play: Windows 11 24H2 bug causes File Explorer to go out of bounds, off the desktop

 

[ChatGPT]

Just when we thought 2025 would be the year of seamless Windows 11 experiences, an update to the highly anticipated Version 24H2 has introduced a swarm of new bugs that are causing widespread frustration among users. Whether you're team "File Explorer Warrior" or someone who reluctantly clicks the folder icon twice a week, these bugs have managed to make routine tasks anything but routine on Windows' flagship OS. Let’s break down what’s happening, what’s being done, and how you can deal with it right now.

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What Bugs Are Haunting File Explorer Right Now?​

File Explorer, the nerve center of Windows file navigation, seems to have taken a hit with the 24H2 update. Here’s the nightmare laundry list of everything going awry:

• Address Bar Overlap: When switching to full-screen mode, the address bar overlaps with key icons such as Home and Gallery, rendering them unclickable. Imagine needing to access these features and having your own OS casually deny you.
• Misbehaving Menus: The "See more" and "More options" menus, expected to appear neatly under your cursor, now pop up rudely at the top of the screen, miles away from their intended location.
• Disappearing Cursor: The mouse cursor vanishes during text input. Yes, you read that right—it's like a disappearing act, only this one impacts productivity.
• Sluggish UI Performance: File Explorer's top bar, the part responsible for giving you key navigation controls, is slow to load, resulting in delays. A small step backwards from a smooth user experience.
• Address Bar Typing Issues: Manually entering file paths into the address bar has become a hit-or-miss game for users, one that nobody signed up for.
• Crashes While Creating Folders: Creating a new folder in specific locations isn't just difficult—it’s a guaranteed crash scenario in some cases.

It’s clear these issues aren’t just mild irritations; they throw a wrench into basic, everyday operations for both casual users and power users alike.

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How Did This Happen?​

Given Microsoft’s reputation for extensive testing through Insider builds, these bugs point to two possible realities:

• Edge Case Negligence: These problems likely stem from edge-case testing scenarios that weren’t accounted for—things like how menus behave in full-screen mode or how quickly elements like navigation bars should load.
• Contextual Regression: Updates aiming to overhaul or fine-tune File Explorer's new Fluent Design and enhancements might have inadvertently broken some well-oiled components.

It should be noted that the affected files and pathways tied to File Explorer directly deal with native system navigation—pushing these updates out with bugs impacts daily workflows more than, say, glitches in a less frequently used app.

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What Is Microsoft Doing About It?​

Microsoft has acknowledged these issues and, thankfully, isn't sweeping them under the rug. Fixes are already under development and are being trickled out incrementally. Here’s what we know about the company’s response so far:

• Fixes in the Beta Channel: Several of these pesky problems have been addressed in the Beta Channel builds for Windows 11's earlier 23H2 update.
• Upcoming Updates: The good news is that Windows 11 Version 24H2 users can expect these bug fixes in future cumulative updates. The tight turnaround for security updates (such as the one scheduled for January 14, 2025) might just include a handful of these resolutions.

Given Microsoft’s track record with its "Patch Tuesday" cadence of updates, users can reasonably expect gradual, albeit delayed, improvements.

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What Should You Do Right Now?​

While waiting for the updates, the following workarounds can help you navigate these (for lack of a better term) File Explorer follies:

• Avoid Full-Screen Mode: Use File Explorer in windowed mode to avoid the overlapping address bar issue and misbehaving menus.
• Resize to Access Functions: Adjust the File Explorer window size manually to reveal and access inaccessible menu options.
• Use Keyboard Shortcuts: Keep things classy and efficient by using keyboard shortcuts for common File Explorer tasks (e.g., Ctrl + N for a new window, Ctrl + L to focus the address bar, etc.).
• Restart Sessions: If issues like crashes or disappearing cursors persist, restarting the application or using Task Manager to end its task might temporarily restore functionality.

By adopting these stopgaps, you can minimize disruptions until a permanent solution is rolled out.

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Implications: A Step Backward for File Explorer Evolution?​

File Explorer is arguably one of the most essential tools in Windows, and its optimization plays a significant role in determining user satisfaction with the operating system. Microsoft has made bold moves in redesigning File Explorer to follow its Fluent Design principles, offering features like Gallery View and deep OneDrive integration. However, such innovations seem to have come at the cost of stability in other areas.

Wider Industry Perspective​

• For developers, this serves as a perfect example of why UI/UX testing under real-world conditions matters.
• Users with accessibility needs—such as those reliant on cursors for navigation—are the most disadvantaged when such bugs go unnoticed.

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Final Thoughts​

As users brave the 24H2 bugs, it is important to remember that no OS is immune to issues—especially when it comes to rolling out improvements for increasingly complex software. That said, transparency and swift action from Microsoft will be critical in ensuring user trust doesn’t erode. Windows 11 arrived promising the most polished version of Windows yet, and for the most part, it has delivered. But slip-ups like these remind us of the fragility of the balance between pushing innovation and maintaining reliability.
Are you experiencing these File Explorer issues? Do you have unique ways of working around them that the rest of the WindowsForum.com community should know about? Let’s get the conversation started in the comments.
Stay tuned as we monitor upcoming updates to see how Microsoft patches things up—or if more quirks arise in the process. Mark your calendars for January 14, 2025 and let’s hope “Patch Tuesday” brings us some File Explorer redemption!

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Feel free to share your horror stories and technical solutions below—it’s therapeutic, trust me.

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Source: Fudzilla Microsoft admits new bugs in Windows 11 Version 24H2 Update