Microsoft warns latest Windows 11 updates might break the Start menu, Taskbar, and other integral UI bits — here’s what you need to know

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Microsoft has identified a problem in Windows 11 that affects some computers with the newest security updates. This can cause important parts of the interface, like the Start menu and File Explorer, to fail to open or crash. Microsoft says this issue mainly impacts computers used by businesses and isn’t likely to happen on personal computers.

According to Microsoft, after installing a Windows 11 update released in July 2025 or later (versions 24H2 or 25H2), some modern apps that rely on XAML – like File Explorer, the Start menu, Settings, the Taskbar, and Windows Search – may not work correctly.

This problem affects core parts of Windows, including the Windows Explorer, Taskbar, and Start menu. If you encounter it, you might find the Start menu won’t open, the Taskbar disappears, Windows Settings won’t launch, or you could be left with a blank screen instead of your desktop.

I’ve learned that Microsoft has pinpointed the reason for this problem – it seems the operating system isn’t registering some XAML packages quickly enough after a Windows update. They’re actively working on a fix, but unfortunately, a solution hasn’t been released yet.

There are workarounds available however, which we’ve detailed below:

  • IT administrators managing enterprise or virtualized environments should register the missing packages in the user session and restart SiHost to allow Immersive Shell and related components to pick them up. To do this, run the following commands to register each of the missing packages:
    • Add-AppxPackage -Register -Path ‘C:\Windows\SystemApps\MicrosoftWindows.Client.CBS_cw5n1h2txyewy\appxmanifest.xml’ -DisableDevelopmentMode 
    • Add-AppxPackage -Register -Path ‘C:\Windows\SystemApps\Microsoft.UI.Xaml.CBS_8wekyb3d8bbwe\appxmanifest.xml’ -DisableDevelopmentMode 
    • Add-AppxPackage -Register -Path ‘C:\Windows\SystemApps\MicrosoftWindows.Client.Core_cw5n1h2txyewy\appxmanifest.xml’ -DisableDevelopmentMode 

When setting up computers that won’t retain changes after each use, using a logon script is still the most effective method for IT professionals. You can use PowerShell to create a simple batch file that runs automatically before the Windows desktop appears, ensuring everything is set up correctly each time.

@echo off REM Register MicrosoftWindows.Client.CBS powershell.exe -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -Command "Add-AppxPackage -Register -Path 'C:\Windows\SystemApps\MicrosoftWindows.Client.CBS_cw5n1h2txyewy\appxmanifest.xml' -DisableDevelopmentMode" REM Register Microsoft.UI.Xaml.CBS powershell.exe -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -Command "Add-AppxPackage -Register -Path 'C:\Windows\SystemApps\Microsoft.UI.Xaml.CBS_8wekyb3d8bbwe\appxmanifest.xml' -DisableDevelopmentMode" REM Register MicrosoftWindows.Client.Core powershell.exe -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -Command "Add-AppxPackage -Register -Path 'C:\Windows\SystemApps\MicrosoftWindows.Client.Core_cw5n1h2txyewy\appxmanifest.xml' -DisableDevelopmentMode"

The good news is, if you’re using Windows 11 on your personal computer, this issue probably won’t affect you. It seems the problem is mainly happening on devices provided by companies or used in business settings, so most people don’t need to be concerned.

I’ve been noticing a real decline in quality control with Windows 11, and this is just the latest example. It’s pretty concerning that a problem this serious has been present since July – it can essentially break all the parts of the interface you need to actually use your computer and get things done.

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2025-12-03 18:10