Microsoft confirms that recent Windows 11 updates cause taskbar errors

Windows 11 versions 22H2 and 23H2 recently received an update that comes with a bunch of new features and minor non-security fixes.

However, as is 'tradition', this new KB5039302 update has been confirmed to cause a series of system conflict problems, typically lag and taskbar errors.

Microsoft has posted a new notice on the official Windows Health Dashboard website to warn users that update KB5039302 is 'breaking' the taskbar on certain versions of Windows 11, specifically Windows N.

Windows N is a special version of the operating system with a series of multimedia features removed, such as the Windows Media Player application. Microsoft also said the bug affects regular version customers who have turned off multimedia features in the " Turn Windows features on or off " user interface.

Microsoft confirms that recent Windows 11 updates cause taskbar errors Picture 1 Microsoft confirms that recent Windows 11 updates cause taskbar errors Picture 1

According to confirmation from Microsoft and official documentation, affected customers cannot interact with the taskbar, while the rest of the UI and File Explorer continue to function as normal:

After installing the Windows June 25, 2024 preview update (KB5039302), released June 25, 2024, you may experience problems with the taskbar. This issue is only expected to occur if you are using a Windows N version device or if you turn off ' Media Features ' via Control Panel->Programs->Programs and Features -> Turn Windows features on or off . The N version of Windows has the same functionality as other Windows versions, except that tools related to multimedia processing, Windows Media Player, and some similar applications are preinstalled.

You may not be able to view or interact with the taskbar after signing in to a device that has the KB5039302 update installed. Other applications such as File Explorer, Desktop and Settings still work normally.

Microsoft is working on a fix that will be available in a future update. As a reminder, KB5039302 is no longer available for download—Microsoft removed this update after confirming bug reports from the user community.

You can uninstall KB5039302 by going to Settings > Windows Update .