2025 is poised to be a big year for tech, and the year started with an update from Microsoft.
However, seemingly as a continuation of last year’s events, this update has come with a couple of issues that the company is aware of and is working on to resolve.
Although the issues that have sprung up are not the absolute worst thing that could happen, these unexpected challenges are nonetheless sparking conversations across the tech community and leaving users grappling with glitches and workarounds.
The Windows 11 24H2 Update is a Mixed Bag
Microsoft’s newest iteration of Windows 11 introduced several refinements, but the bugs in File Explorer are casting a shadow over the update.
Users have reported a range of frustrations which have included the address bar overlapping with content in full-screen mode and obstructing access to essential icons such as Home and Gallery, the “More options” menu behaving erratically, appearing at the top of the screen instead of below the cursor, and making navigation counterintuitive, and when in full-screen mode, critical menu options just vanish entirely.
But the issues don’t stop there. Some users are facing additional hurdles, which include:
- The mouse cursor disappearing during text input interactions.
- File Explorer’s top bar loading at a sluggish pace.
- Typing a path in the address bar doesn’t always work as intended.
- Certain locations crashing when attempting to create new folders.
Naturally, these bugs are putting the spanner into workflows and they are greatly challenging productivity, forcing many users to find temporary solutions while awaiting a fix. The good news is that there are a couple of workarounds currently available and the other good news, as we’ve said already, is that a fix is in the works.
Temporary Workarounds and Microsoft’s Response
Microsoft has acknowledged these issues and confirmed that they are in the development phase of the fix.
While some patches are already available in the Beta Channel build for Windows 11 23H2, the fixes for the 24H2 version are expected to be included in the first security update of the year, slated for January 14, 2025.
In the meantime, affected users can do the following to make the issues a lot more bearable:
- Operate File Explorer in windowed mode rather than full-screen to regain access to menu options.
- Resize the File Explorer window to alleviate the layout inconsistencies.
- Use keyboard shortcuts to bypass some of the mouse-related issues.
These interim solutions, while not ideal, can help users get over their most immediate challenges.
Why an IT Partner is Essential in 2025
With the pace of updates (and their accompanying issues) and the complexity of modern software, the need to have an expert IT team by your side is greater than ever. The latest File Explorer issues just underscore how even the most reliable systems can encounter unanticipated challenges.
Hiring an IT services company can bridge the gap between you and the latest technology by:
- Giving You Proactive Monitoring – IT experts stay ahead of emerging issues, and thus ensure that systems run smoothly even amid unexpected bugs.
- Giving You Timely Solutions – Professional support teams provide immediate workarounds to prevent big productivity losses.
- Giving You Strategic Planning – An IT partner will ensure that your systems are future-ready, by minimising risks from updates and maintaining your data security.
Having the right IT support can turn potential chaos into manageable bumps in the road.
For users swimming in these turbulent tech waters, partnering with IT professionals is not just a convenience; it’s a necessity. And at 24/7 IT Services, we provide our clients with a range of exceptional solutions, such as Managed IT Support, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing and more. Contact us today for a consultation.