ON 29 January, Microsoft disseminated the preview update KB5074105 for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, noting that the release is an “optional” update that will not be automatically retrieved or deployed. The patch is designed to address issues from the January Type B cumulative update, most notably the intermittent disappearance of the taskbar on boot when certain applications are configured as startup items, which can leave Explorer[.]exe unresponsive.
In such cases, users may currently need to open Task Manager to restart Explorer[.]exe to restore the taskbar and desktop, an inconvenience the update aims to alleviate. KB5074105 is said to prevent the Explorer process from becoming unresponsive and to ensure a seamless interface upon boot, while also correcting erratic desktop icon rearrangement observed after the January update.
The article cautions that the update is experimental and may bring new problems, such as reports of webcam rendering issues, and recommends installation only if existing bugs significantly impede productivity. To obtain it, users should check Windows Update in Settings and install it from the available downloads when offered. According to Microsoft, the update will not be automatically installed.