Microsoft still working to fix Windows Explorer white flashes
Source: Bleeping Computer
Microsoft has confirmed that it is still working to fully address a known issue that causes bright white flashes when opening File Explorer on some Windows 11 systems.
“Removed white flash when launching new File Explorer windows or tabs when File Explorer was set to open to This PC. Also removed white flashes when resizing elements of File Explorer,” — Windows Insider Program Team, Friday blog post.
Background
In December, Microsoft first confirmed the issue and initially said it had been fixed. The bug was linked to the optional, non‑security update KB5070311.
“After installing KB5070311, you might experience issues when opening File Explorer in dark mode. The window might briefly display a blank white screen before loading files and folders,” — Microsoft.
Recent Fixes
The fix is rolling out to all Windows Insiders in the Beta and Dev channels who install the following preview builds:
- Windows 11 Build 26220.7961 (KB5079382) – Beta channel
- Windows 11 Build 26300.7965 (KB5079385) – Dev channel
File Explorer flashes (BleepingComputer)
The latest preview builds also add support for voice typing (Windows + H) when renaming files in File Explorer and improve reliability when unblocking files downloaded from the internet for preview.
Related Issues
Starting in November, Microsoft began testing an optional Windows 11 feature that preloads File Explorer in the background to improve launch performance.
In the same month, Microsoft confirmed a critical issue that caused File Explorer, the Start Menu, and other shell components (Explorer.exe, StartMenuExperienceHost, ShellHost.exe) to crash on Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 devices when cumulative updates released since July 2025 were applied.
“Shell components would either fail silently or crash with visible errors, leaving affected users with partially functional computers that couldn’t display various navigation tools.”
Microsoft is still working on a permanent fix. In the meantime, it has provided PowerShell commands and a logon script for enterprise admins to temporarily work around the crashes.