Windows 11 KB5039302 update still causing major taskbar issues

Windows 11 offers the optional update KB5039302, which was recently suspended due to numerous issues. After installation, the system could fall into a boot loop, so Microsoft suspended its availability. Shortly afterward, the KB5039302 patch was re-released. Unfortunately, it still has flaws.

The optional KB5039302 update for Windows 11, which appeared on Windows Update at the end of June, has not been particularly successful, notes Windows Latest. The package was defective from the beginning on many users' computers, and it could not boot successfully after the update installation. Only rolling back the newly implemented update proved helpful. Interestingly, Microsoft quickly intervened and suspended the availability of KB5039302 in Windows Update, but shortly afterward, the patch returned to some computers and no longer caused the described errors.

Unfortunately, it causes other issues. As users point out, there might be problems with the system's taskbar. In extreme cases, the toolbar in Windows 11 becomes entirely unusable; it does not respond to cursor clicks or refresh its contents. What's unusual is that the glitch does not affect the entire explorer.exe process, so other essential Windows elements, such as File Explorer or Settings, work without issues.

Microsoft has already confirmed that the issue indeed exists. The glitch affects Windows N versions or systems where the Media Feature pack is disabled. There is no official way to bypass the problem other than by rolling back the update. Microsoft is working on a solution, but no specific date has been given when a fix will be implemented. Experience suggests it will likely occur during the cumulative security updates in July.