Microsoft is patching the latest Windows 11 update, but some unlucky users have discovered that their taskbar is now broken
Microsoft has quietly rolled out a fix for a recent Windows 11 patch (KB5039302, a preview update) in an attempt to fix a bug that was causing some PCs to reboot repeatedly. The problem was so severe that the update was paused.
However, this new solution has led to more problems as there are now reports of the taskbar not working properly.
Microsoft is aware of the taskbar issues plaguing some Windows 11 users. In fact, the June 2024 preview update may cause the taskbar to not load at all. It is claimed that this problem is only “expected if you are using a Windows N edition” or if you manually disable the Media Features switch in Control Panel.
Prior to this new issue, some Windows 11 users were, as mentioned, experiencing reboot loops, which could render their system unusable. This only appears to affect machines with nested virtualization enabled. As the name suggests, this feature allows users to run virtual machines, and is used more in corporate and enterprise environments than by the everyday consumer.
The only fix for the previous ‘reboot hell’ bug, we were told, is to manually uninstall the update via the Advanced Startup menu.
It’s worth stressing that Windows 11 update KB5039302 is optional, so you can avoid it altogether, and it’s probably best to do so for now – even though most people won’t be affected by the new glitch. Later in July, this update will become the full release for Windows 11, at which point you won’t be able to avoid it (at least not for long). Hopefully, Microsoft will have fixed this new bug by then, too.
The problems persist for Windows 11
Microsoft has had some serious issues with Windows 11 in the first half of 2024. On top of rampant advertising – with adverts like Xbox Game Pass now plaguing the Settings app – and instability issues, there’s also a bug in the operating system that tells users if they’ve changed their location. Another recent bug has led to distorted video in Google Chrome and Microsoft’s own Edge browser.
So yeah, Windows 11 hasn’t had the smoothest ride this year, or really since launch. It’s certainly odd to see the taskbar not loading or not working properly, though that issue is still way better than a PC stuck in bootloop hell. We’ll keep an eye on this and update you when Microsoft fixes this new bug.
Through Windows Latest