Microsoft’s latest Windows 11 update improves and breaks dark mode

Microsoft's latest Windows 11 update was expected to improve the consistency of its dark mode, but instead, it introduced a bizarre bug that flashes a bright white screen every time File Explorer is opened.

In a move that has left users and developers alike scratching their heads, Microsoft shipped the KB5070311 update with a known issue that causes File Explorer to briefly display a blank white screen before loading files and folders. The problem is most noticeable in dark mode, where the sudden flash can be jarring.

According to Microsoft's own documentation, the company acknowledges the issue and assures users that it is working on a fix for the problem. However, this raises questions about how such a glaring bug could have been missed during testing.

The inconsistency of Windows 11's dark mode has been a topic of discussion in recent months, with some features being updated to include dark mode while others are still stuck in their light-colored default. The addition of dark mode to File Explorer was expected to be a step forward in improving the overall user experience.

In related news, Microsoft has also announced improvements to progress bars and charts views, as well as confirmation and error dialogs. However, these updates were overshadowed by the unexpected introduction of the white flash bug in File Explorer.

As users continue to grapple with this issue, many are left wondering what other hidden bugs or issues may be lurking beneath the surface of Microsoft's latest update.

Umm I was using my new Windows 11 laptop and I opened File Explorer just now and it did that weird white flash thingy ... what if there's another bug with the progress bars? Like, how are they gonna fix this one first? And why is dark mode so inconsistent anyway? It's like they're trying to drive us crazy . Can't wait for a patch, I need my smooth browsing back

um I'm literally dying over here like who tests for these kinds of bugs? I mean I get it updates can be rocky but a bright white flash is just annoying especially in dark mode, it's like your brain isn't ready for that much brightness after being in the dark lol anyway Microsoft should totes fix this ASAP and also come through with some more dark mode updates, it's been a hot topic

omg I'm still trying to figure out why they didn't test this one ... I mean I get it updates can be a pain, but come on, who flashes white screens everywhere? it's just so... distracting. and now I'm starting to wonder if there are more like this hiding in the depths of windows 11 . Microsoft needs to step up their testing game, for real

I don’t usually comment but... I just got this update and I was using my laptop like normal and then BAM! This white screen thingy comes up out of nowhere like 5 seconds and it’s so jarring! I don’t understand how they missed this in testing? It's not even a small glitch, it's like the whole UI just freezes for a sec. I'm glad they're acknowledging the issue but like, what took them so long to notice it? And now I just wanna wait for the fix... or maybe just switch back to light mode lol

I'm still trying to wrap my head around this one . I mean, who flashes a bright white screen every time you open File Explorer? It's just so... weird . And I totally get why Microsoft is working on a fix for it - consistency and user experience are key, right? But can't they test their updates better before rolling them out? It's like, what else have we missed? Are there more bugs hiding in the shadows?

And don't even get me started on the dark mode thing. I know some folks love it, but I'm not one of 'em. The inconsistency is just frustrating. Why can't we all just have the same experience? Anyway, back to this white flash thing... fingers crossed Microsoft gets it sorted out soon .

omg i was so excited for the new dark mode updates but now im kinda disappointed... like, i get it, bugs happen but a bright white screen flashing every time you open file explorer is just annoying . i feel bad for devs who have to deal with this kind of thing too, they must be working day and night to fix it. hopefully microsoft will get it sorted out soon... its not the end of the world but still, consistency matters especially when it comes to ui.

Lmao can u beleev that? Microsoft just shipped an update and it introduces a bug that flashes white screen in file explorer lol what a mess! like how do they even test this stuff? I'm all for improving dark mode but come on, who thought flashing white screen was a good idea? hopefully they fix it soon or atleast put out a patch ASAP

I don’t usually comment but it’s just so annoying when tech companies ship updates that have major flaws right off the bat . I mean, come on, a bright white screen flashing up in the middle of File Explorer is super jarring and makes you feel like your computer is malfunctioning . And honestly, how does this happen? You'd think they would've tested it to death before pushing it out to everyone.

And don't even get me started on Microsoft's documentation saying they acknowledge the issue... like that’s not a huge red flag . I'm curious to see what kind of response comes from them, but in the meantime, users are stuck dealing with this headache . Can’t we just have a smooth update process for once?

Like I'm trying to work from home on Sunday afternoon and my laptop starts flashing a bright white screen every time I open File Explorer... It's like, come on! Dark mode is supposed to improve user experience, not cause headaches. I've had enough of these buggy updates. Can't we just get something that works for once?! And what about the people who rely on their laptops for work or school? This is so frustrating! Why does it take Microsoft so long to fix issues like this?

Ugh, I'm so frustrated! I just got that update and my File Explorer is like a strobe light - it flashes white for like 2 seconds and then loads normally. Can't they test their stuff better? I was really looking forward to using dark mode in File Explorer too, but now I'm not sure if it's even worth trying. The good news is that Microsoft says they're on it , but what about all the other users who already got the update and are stuck with this annoying bug?

Ugh , I'm so frustrated with this latest Windows 11 update! I was really looking forward to a smoother File Explorer experience in dark mode, but nope, they had to go and introduce a bright white flash screen that completely catches you off guard . It's like they didn't even test it thoroughly before releasing it.

And can we talk about how inconsistent Windows 11's dark mode is? Some features have it, while others are still stuck in light mode . I mean, what's the point of updating some things if not all of them? It's like they're playing catch-up or something .

I'm glad Microsoft acknowledges the issue and is working on a fix, but how did this bug even slip through the cracks? They're always going on about how their updates are more stable and reliable than before, but sometimes you can't help but wonder if that's just a marketing gimmick .

OMG u guys cant believe this?? MS is like total fail rn they cant even get one thing rite 1st ! like whats up wit that white flash bug in File Explorer? is it supposed 2 b a thing now? i mean i know dark mode was meant 2 be better but this is just lazy lol what kinda testing is ms doin? theyre all lik "its fixed" but its still happenin right now . u gotta ask urself, wat kinda bug slips thru the cracks like dis? and whats up wit them other updates that werent even talked about? progress bars & charts views? werent we rite in 2 get dem updated already? anywayz, i hope ms fixes dis ASAP cuz this is just embarassing

I'm seriously questioning how they managed to miss this one during testing . A white flash screen when you open File Explorer in dark mode? That's just sloppy, especially considering it's a feature that was supposed to improve the user experience. And now Microsoft is like "oh no, we're working on a fix"? How long has this been known and why wasn't anyone addressing it before? This whole thing smells like an oversight and I'm not buying the "it's being worked on" excuse without seeing some actual evidence or updates from Microsoft themselves.

Ugh, I mean like, what's going on over at Microsoft? They're supposed to be improving our Windows 11 experience, not breaking it! I'm so done with these random bugs that pop up outta nowhere. Can't they just test their updates properly before releasing them? I know dark mode was a bit of an issue, but come on, a bright white screen flashing in File Explorer? That's just weird . And now we're supposed to trust them when they say it's a known issue and they'll fix it soon? I'm keeping my eyes peeled for any further updates. Hope they can get this sorted out ASAP

man... this is like a philosophical lesson in impermanence think about it, we spend so much time optimizing and refining our systems, trying to make everything perfect and seamless, but sometimes these tiny glitches can reveal the underlying complexity and fragility of things. it's like, we're so focused on getting rid of the white flash that we forget that it's a reminder that nothing is ever truly stable or fixed. maybe this bug is just a wake-up call for us to be more mindful of the imperfections that make life interesting...

omg can u believe this ?! so microsoft drops a major update and instead of making file explorer better they mess it up even more... like wtf dark mode is already a thing and now we have to deal with this annoying white flash bug every time we open it? i feel for the devs who are stuck fixing this at least they acknowledge the issue, but still shouldn't happen in first place. hope they sort it out soon

I'm so done with these 'bug' releases . Like, come on Microsoft! You're supposed to test stuff before we get it, right? A bright white screen flashing up every time I open File Explorer is just weird . And yeah, dark mode is still super inconsistent - some things work in it, others don't... why can't they just figure this out already? It's like you're trying to make us all question the sanity of your updates . I mean, progress bars and charts views are cool and all, but if that's what's gonna be overshadowed by a bright white screen... not impressed . Can we just get a decent update without all these teething problems for once?

Ugh I'm getting so sick of these updates and their "known" issues... like, how do you even test for something that flashes a bright white screen for like 2 seconds? It's just not even possible to notice at first glance. And now the forums are blowing up with people complaining about this, and I'm sure we'll see all sorts of workarounds popping up ASAP . I mean, I know Microsoft says they're working on a fix, but come on... can't you guys just test it for like 5 minutes before releasing it? It's not that hard . And honestly, the fact that this is even an issue with dark mode just shows how inconsistent Windows 11's UI really is . I'm just waiting for someone to come up with a solution that doesn't involve tweaking registry settings or whatever...

I had the craziest dream last night, I was on a train headed to nowhere in particular , and suddenly it just stopped moving... for no reason at all! I mean, what even is the point of stopping a train in the middle of nowhere? Anyway, this got me thinking, have you ever noticed how sometimes you'll be watching a movie or playing a game, and your phone will randomly autocorrect something to make sense with the context... like if you're watching a zombie movie, it might autocorrect "I'm gonna eat some brains" to "I'm going to eat some beans"? It's wild! And then there was this weird thing where I saw a YouTube video about... did you know that cats have scent glands on their faces?!? Anyway, back to the Windows update... yeah, this white flash bug is just annoying