File explorer shortcuts and download dialog popup keeps sending me to desktop folder that contains random icons.


Antrox41

Antrox41

Member
Local time
3:40 AM
Posts
4
OS
Windows 11
Title explains it all. After i updated to latest Windows 11 25H2 build 26200.7462. Everytime I open a shortcut to a specific folder the file explorer momentarily goes to that folder then for some reason refreshes to the desktop folder which contains random non existent icons. To clarify I was previously on build 6899 where this issue did not exist now all of the sudden it does.

Heres an example (click for video):
https://imgur.com/jJ6Gw37

Does anyone else have this issue? And is there a way to fix this without uninstalling the updates? It would be a huge pain to do that.
 
Windows Build/Version
26200.7462

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    MSI
    CPU
    Ryzen 7 5800X
    Motherboard
    MSI B550 Tomahawk
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    RTX 4070 Ti Super
    Screen Resolution
    2560*1440
    PSU
    SeaSonic Focus Gold 650W
    Browser
    Firefox Nightly
I am having no problems but I run light mode. I believe that related to the issue that was reported in KB5070311 and involves Light Switch feature in PowerToys. If you are a PowerToys user disable that feature. It said:

After installing KB5070311, you might experience issues when opening File Explorer in dark mode. The window might briefly display a blank white screen before loading files and folders. This can also occur when you:

  • Navigate to or from Home or Gallery (including launching to Home)
  • Create a new tab
  • Turn the Details pane on or off
  • Select More details while copying file
Github response on Powertoys here. Light switch: switching modes shouldn't be enabled by default · Issue #42386 · microsoft/PowerToys



Reference KB5072033 was supposed to have fixed it but guess it did not.
December 9, 2025—KB5072033 (OS Builds 26200.7462 and 26100.7462) - Microsoft Support
File Explorer (known issue)] Fixed: This update addresses an issue where File Explorer briefly flashes white when you navigate between pages. This issue might occur after you install KB5070311.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 25H2
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 7080
    CPU
    i9-10900 10 core 20 threads
    Motherboard
    DELL 0J37VM
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    none-Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Sound Card
    Integrated Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    2x1tb Solidigm m.2 nvme /External drives 512gb Samsung m.2 sata+2tb Kingston m2.nvme
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell Premium
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    so slow I'm too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    #1 Edge #2 Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 26200.8457
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Beelink Mini PC SER5
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 6800U
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics card(s)
    integrated
    Sound Card
    integrated
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Crucial nvme
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    still too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    System 3 is non compliant Dell 9020 i7-4770/24gb ram Win11 PRO 26200.8457
This has happened and been remedied and happened again for years now. Google “windows dark mode flash bang”
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
imgur is not globally accesible.
And ElevenForum lets you post videos & pictures anyway.


Denis
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home x64 Version 25H2 Build 26200.8037
glasskuter said:
I am having no problems but I run light mode. I believe that related to the issue that was reported in KB5070311 and involves Light Switch feature in PowerToys. If you are a PowerToys user disable that feature. It said:

After installing KB5070311, you might experience issues when opening File Explorer in dark mode. The window might briefly display a blank white screen before loading files and folders. This can also occur when you:

  • Navigate to or from Home or Gallery (including launching to Home)
  • Create a new tab
  • Turn the Details pane on or off
  • Select More details while copying file
Github response on Powertoys here. Light switch: switching modes shouldn't be enabled by default · Issue #42386 · microsoft/PowerToys



Reference KB5072033 was supposed to have fixed it but guess it did not.
December 9, 2025—KB5072033 (OS Builds 26200.7462 and 26100.7462) - Microsoft Support
File Explorer (known issue)] Fixed: This update addresses an issue where File Explorer briefly flashes white when you navigate between pages. This issue might occur after you install KB5070311.
Click to expand...
After speaking to microsoft support they said this problem has been reported and affects somewhat decent majority of users. So they are aware of this issue. The file explorer does kind of flash white very briefly. But again the main problem is that my Shortcuts are practically broken because the file explorer is constantly crashing and restarting when i open a folder. So it basically resets to the desktop folder everytime with a few broken icons or files.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    MSI
    CPU
    Ryzen 7 5800X
    Motherboard
    MSI B550 Tomahawk
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    RTX 4070 Ti Super
    Screen Resolution
    2560*1440
    PSU
    SeaSonic Focus Gold 650W
    Browser
    Firefox Nightly
Try3 said:
imgur is not globally accesible.
And ElevenForum lets you post videos & pictures anyway.


Denis
Click to expand...
I tried uploading the video here it is too big. Its only 20mbs
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    MSI
    CPU
    Ryzen 7 5800X
    Motherboard
    MSI B550 Tomahawk
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    RTX 4070 Ti Super
    Screen Resolution
    2560*1440
    PSU
    SeaSonic Focus Gold 650W
    Browser
    Firefox Nightly
The “non existent” icons you are seeing in the desktop folder in FE aren’t non existent. That’s the root desktop. That’s why you see Home and the others.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
dacrone said:
The “non existent” icons you are seeing in the desktop folder in FE aren’t non existent. That’s the root desktop. That’s why you see Home and the others.
Click to expand...
I think you are correct that is my mistake.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    MSI
    CPU
    Ryzen 7 5800X
    Motherboard
    MSI B550 Tomahawk
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    RTX 4070 Ti Super
    Screen Resolution
    2560*1440
    PSU
    SeaSonic Focus Gold 650W
    Browser
    Firefox Nightly
Antrox41 said:
I think you are correct that is my mistake.
Click to expand...
If you’re not familiar with what I was referring to, most people call it Virtual, not Root.

User Desktop (shell:ThisPCDesktopFolder) is your desktop only


User Desktop (shell:ThisPCDesktopFolder) + Public Desktop (shell:Common Desktop) is the Virtual/Root
Code: 
shell:Desktop
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
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