Microsoft Updates Workaround to Fix Broken Windows 11 UI Components

Microsoft has updated a workaround for a major Windows 11 issue that broke core desktop UI elements on recent builds, after acknowledging that the original fix contained errors.

Not long ago, the company disclosed a serious problem affecting Windows 11 version 24H2, later confirmed to also impact early 25H2 builds. The bug caused key interface components to malfunction, leaving some users with a partially unusable desktop experience. While Microsoft released a workaround at the time, it did not fully resolve the issue.

Microsoft released an updated workaround to fix UI issues

According to Neowin, Microsoft has now revised that workaround to properly address the underlying problems.

The issue caused widespread failures across essential Windows shell elements. Affected users reported problems with:

• The Start Menu failing to open or respond
• The Taskbar becoming unresponsive or missing icons
• File Explorer not launching correctly
• Other system UI elements behaving unpredictably

Microsoft traced the breakage to cumulative updates released starting in mid-2025, which introduced regressions in several system apps tied to the Windows shell.

Although Microsoft recently pushed KB5072046, that update did not fix the UI corruption issue. Users still needed to rely on a manual workaround to restore normal functionality, prompting Microsoft to correct and reissue the fix.

If you still experience broken UI elements on Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2, Microsoft recommends re-registering the affected system apps using PowerShell and the following commands:

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

This revised workaround restores stability to critical desktop components while Microsoft works on a permanent fix.

KB5072046 introduces notable improvements elsewhere. The update allows administrators to uninstall Copilot on managed devices and expands WNS integration, making it easier for third-party apps to interact with Windows features.

For now, affected users should apply the updated workaround to regain a stable Windows 11 desktop experience.