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

You can’t make this up. Microsoft shipped a Windows 11 update yesterday that was supposed to deliver Dark mode is more consistentwith File Explorer’s dialogs finally getting a dark mode for actions like copying, moving, or deleting files and folders. You can have all of that, but Microsoft will also treat you to a giant white flash every time you open File Explorer.

“After installing KB5070311, you may experience issues when opening File Explorer in Dark Mode,” Microsoft admits in the Known Issues section of the new Windows 11 update. “The window may display a blank white screen briefly before loading files and folders.”

The white flash looks like a sudden explosion if you’re working in the dark with dark mode enabled, and Microsoft says it’s now working on a fix. If you don’t want to wait until the repair is officially done, you can also use a Windhawk mod To return File Explorer’s dark mode to normal.

It’s strange that Microsoft didn’t catch this very obvious bug in testing, especially since the company has committed to a more consistent “dark mode experience” overall across Windows 11. Play dialog Windows 11 will also be getting a dark mode soon, as well as improvements to progress bars, chart views, and confirmation and error dialogs.