Patch rolls out to fix Windows 11 Explorer crash that hides the taskbar
Microsoft confirms a Windows 11 bug that can crash Explorer.exe on sign-in when certain startup apps are configured, causing the desktop and taskbar to disappear; the fix is in the optional January 2026 update KB5074105 and is being rolled out gradually. The update also restores proper desktop.ini folder naming, fixes File Explorer hang, and addresses lock-screen and earlier black-screen issues tied to a Windows Update.