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Microsoft Resolves Windows 11 Black Screen and Explorer Crash Issues

Microsoft Resolves Windows 11 Black Screen and Explorer Crash Issues

First seen 16 Oct 2026, 13:38 UTC • •
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ThreatCluster AI
ThreatCluster •October 16, 2026 at 13:39 UTC
  • •Microsoft fixed black screen and Explorer crash issues in Windows 11 with updates from October 13, 2026.
  • •The problem mainly affected Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) hosts using FSLogix.
  • •A temporary workaround is available for users unable to install the latest updates.

Microsoft has addressed a significant issue in Windows 11 that caused black screens and Explorer crashes after sign-in, affecting users who installed updates since August 2026. This problem primarily impacted Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) hosts using FSLogix. The fix was included in cumulative updates released on October 13, 2026, during Patch Tuesday. Affected users reported symptoms such as being unable to access their desktop without manually starting the session. Microsoft recommended installing the latest updates to resolve the issue, while also providing a temporary manual workaround for those unable to update. Enterprise customers can use Known Issue Rollback (KIR) to mitigate the problem on managed devices. Microsoft also addressed additional issues related to Always On VPN and Remote Desktop failures in the same update.

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Timeline

2026-09-15
Microsoft acknowledges black screen issue
Microsoft confirmed a known issue causing black screens and Explorer crashes for Windows 11 users after updates since August.
Bleepingcomputer
2026-10-13
Cumulative updates released
Microsoft released cumulative updates during Patch Tuesday to fix the black screen and Explorer crash issues in Windows 11.
Ghacks
2026-10-15
Workaround and KIR options detailed
Microsoft provided a temporary workaround and KIR options for enterprise customers to mitigate the black screen issue.
Bleepingcomputer

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Common questions

Which Windows 11 versions are affected?
The issue affects Windows 11 versions 26H1, 25H2, and 24H2.
What should users do if they experience the issue?
Users should install the cumulative updates released on October 13, 2026, or use the manual workaround to launch Windows Explorer.
How can enterprise customers mitigate the issue?
Enterprise customers can apply the Known Issue Rollback (KIR) group policy to manage the issue on their devices.