Microsoft File Explorer Quits Working in Windows 11

from Stardock Forums

Good morning.

Starting with Windows 11 cumulative update KB5049622 on 15 Jan 2015, File Explorer on my desktop quit working.  Couldn't open folders, save Office files, download files, etc.  None of the following MS updates, including the latest, KB5051987, fixed it.

I finally, after much trial & error and searching, found this MS article "How to perform a clean boot in Windows"
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/how-to-perform-a-clean-boot-in-windows-da2f9573-6eec-00ad-2f8a-a97a1807f3dd
which led me to discovering WindowBlinds was the service in MSConfig causing the problem.  I've disabled this service for now, pending an update from Stardock.

Hope this helps anyone else with MS's 24H2 update on Windows 11 causing headaches.

windowblinds
9,701 views 14 replies
Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top

I'm not a Support person, but please post your W11 version (run winver) and your Windowblinds version. Also, if you haven't updated your Windowblinds to 11.04, please do so. The Windows update is indeed the problem, and WB 11.04 is the cure.

 

 

Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top

I may be mistaken, but how can Windowblinds be the reason for the problem? I am beginning to wonder if Microsoft wants to make sure that no skinning will work on Windows 12. However, there are always people who know how to code and who are very creative when it comes to devising workarounds and alternatives. So the cat and mouse game will continue! 

Curtains - Customize Windows with additional styles
Reply #3 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting 3java3, reply 2

I may be mistaken, but how can Windowblinds be the reason for the problem?
End of 3java3's quote

 

 

I'm not a dev, but these guys know their stuff...

Quoting JcRabbit, reply 1

the problem seems to happen in GetOpenFileName of comdlg32.dll. This should show the standard Open File dialog but the dialog doesn't even get to appear unless WB is using the default W11 skin.
End of JcRabbit's quote

 

Quoting Neil, reply 2

You need to update to WB 11.04 rather than 11.02

This is an issue introduced by Microsofts latest update and we updated WB a while back for this but for some reason some people do not have the update.
End of Neil's quote

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Reply #4 from Stardock Forums Top

Performing a Check for update from the About screen, WindowBlinds 11 says its up to date at 11.02.   ObjectDesktop also does not offer an update.

Windows 11 Professional is at 24H2 (26100.ge_release.240331-1435) per WindowBlinds 11.

Where's the update to 11.04?  And, yes, I'm paid up.

Reply #6 from Stardock Forums Top

Nope.  ObjectDesktop is the same version I had installed.  Reinstalled it anyway and WindowBlinds doesn't show an update.

Reply #7 from Stardock Forums Top

Download from the website and grab 11.04.

Not sure why you are not getting prompts.

Reply #8 from Stardock Forums Top

WindowBlinds doesn't show up in my download area.  Maybe, because I have a lic for the complete set.  I get my d/l's via Object Desktop.

Reply #9 from Stardock Forums Top

Hi JollyFE,

Quoting JollyFE, reply 8

WindowBlinds doesn't show up in my download area.  Maybe, because I have a lic for the complete set.  I get my d/l's via Object Desktop.
End of JollyFE's quote

You'll want to click the "View Individual Downloads" button to expand the list, where you should be able to find 11.04.

Best regards,

Adam McGuinness
Stardock Customer Support Specialist

Reply #10 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting JollyFE, reply 8

WindowBlinds doesn't show up in my download area.  Maybe, because I have a lic for the complete set.  I get my d/l's via Object Desktop.
End of JollyFE's quote

In the "About" tab in your WB config window, click on the "Check for update" button.

Reply #11 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting DrJBHL, reply 10


Quoting JollyFE,
reply 8

WindowBlinds doesn't show up in my download area.  Maybe, because I have a lic for the complete set.  I get my d/l's via Object Desktop.



In the "About" tab in your WB config window, click on the "Check for update" button.

End of DrJBHL's quote

Yes, normally from in-app, or from ODM, or the account download page as in my screenshot above should work. 

Also, a good tip when using Object Desktop Manager is that you can refresh it by clicking to give it focus and pressing the F5 key.  Between the 3 ways of updating, I have verified at least from admin access that the latest version is definitely available to your account.

Please let us know if we can provide further assistance.

Best regards,

Adam McGuinness
Stardock Customer Support Specialist

Reply #12 from Stardock Forums Top

Thanks.  I found it.  Strange, though.  Updates normally show up when I open Object Desktop without having to do F5.  This time.  Didn't work.  F5 did show updates for Fences and Start11 V2, but not WindowBlinds 11.  I'll install the WB update over the weekend and let you know what happens.

Thanks for the assist.  Appreciate the help.

Reply #13 from Stardock Forums Top

That update worked.  Installed it and restarted the services.  Would have been nice if this update had shown up as such in Object Desktop.  Would have saved me a lot of time and gnashing of teeth trying to figure out what the problem was.

Reply #14 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting JollyFE, reply 13

That update worked.  Installed it and restarted the services.  Would have been nice if this update had shown up as such in Object Desktop.  Would have saved me a lot of time and gnashing of teeth trying to figure out what the problem was.
End of JollyFE's quote

So glad I could be of help. :thumbsup: