Reflect 8 No Longer Mounts an Image File for Windows Explorer

Steve C · May 1, 2026

A recent update to Windows 11 now blocks an essential driver to view an image file in Reflect 8 using Windows Explorer - see error below. Has anyone found a fix fo this?

Stigg · May 1, 2026

It's a known problem, Steve.

I think it might be time to ditch Reflect.
I'm starting to think that Paramount Software is unconcerned about this, for obvious reasons. Time will tell.
I wouldn't be surprised if Reflect and its site deployment software is acquired soon.

It might be better to check out the Macrium Software Forum.

dalchina · May 1, 2026

There is a workaround posted for this:

Overwhelmed - Macrium Reflect

I think "Shame on them" is a bit harsh. This issue only affects users here with unsupported versions of REFLECT. Macrium has no obligation to support those versions. Having said that... I believe they will provide a fix regardless (they have done so in the past). I suppose it's in their best...

www.elevenforum.com

It does not affect Reflectx which does not use that driver, and if you have Win 10 that still works.

Macrium say they are working on this.

FreeBooter · May 1, 2026

I have no problem with Reflect 10 i think only way to resolve this is to upgrade to latest version.

Steve C · May 1, 2026

I have Reflect X on my main desktop but other PCs use Reflect 8 (paid for). I've left a ticket with Macrium.

dalchina · May 1, 2026

Thank you for your reply. If you read the thread I posted, you will find that's already been done and the reply is quoted.

You will also see how to work around the issue.

Steve C · May 1, 2026

dalchina said:
Thank you for your reply. If you read the thread I posted, you will find that's already been done and the reply is quoted.

You will also see how to work around the issue.

There will be trouble from me if they tell me the same! The other thread lacks a meaningful title which is why I didn't spot it.

dalchina · May 1, 2026

Again, thank you for your reply.

But I gave you notes on what it contains. It's a valuable discussion. Which is why I kindly posted it for you.

Hint: don't just search/scan thread titles. You can't rely on posters to use good ones.

jimbo45 · May 1, 2026

Still using the old FREE version of Macrium -- doesn't seem to have an issue (yet) !! note though I don't use either secure boot or bitlocker. On a domestic computer why add things that just increase hassle. If anybody wants to hack my stuff there's nothing of any interest for them -- and for really sensitive data I don't store online or store in secure cloud services.

I don't use social media either. Leave that to the under 29's.

Cheers
jimbo

Steve C · May 1, 2026

Macrium are not treating this issue seriously in their reply to me so I raised a complaint:

I purchased Reflect 8 on the basis that image mounting was an included and supported feature. It is unacceptable for Macrium to tell customers to disable Core Isolation — a Windows security feature — as a workaround. That is not a fix and it contradicts Microsoft’s own security guidance.

Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, software sold in the UK must remain as described, fit for purpose, and must function for a reasonable period of time. Image mounting was a core, advertised feature of Reflect 8 at the point of sale. Its removal due to Macrium’s failure to maintain a compatible driver means the product no longer matches its description and is not fit for the purpose for which it was purchased. Advising customers to weaken system security is not an acceptable remedy. If Macrium does not restore the functionality, provide a free upgrade, or issue a refund, this constitutes a breach of contract under UK consumer law.

Unless Macrium restores the functionality, provides a free upgrade to Reflect X, or refunds the licence cost, you are in breach of contract for failing to supply the product as advertised.

This is a formal complaint. Escalate it to management and provide a substantive response.

garlin · May 1, 2026

I've written a batch script which reverts the Vulnerable Driver Blocklist to the previous version (which doesn't block Macrium 8)

https://www.elevenforum.com/t/overwhelmed-macrium-reflect.46159/post-736027

Sqrly · May 7, 2026

Now Microsoft is trying to sneak in through a back door.

I found the offending "security update" sitting in the update queue. I increased my deferral length from 14 days to 30 days in gpedit then I went into settings and hit the "pause updates" for 5 weeks. Then I turned the pause off and did a "check for updates" and the queue cleared.

Last night I get a WFC (Windows Firewall Control) popup, "ucconfigtask.exe", which I've never seen before, suddenly wants to call home. I block by default.

I asked Gemini pro about this file and if it could be related to this current fight with Microsoft trying to disable my backup software.

Is it bypassing your blocks?

Here is exactly how it tries to sneak around your setup:

The "Service" vs. "Task" Trap: Even if you have Group Policy (gpedit) set to "Notify for download" or "Disabled," this task is categorized under "Consumer Experience" rather than "Windows Update." Because it’s under a different bucket, Windows often treats it as "mandatory system configuration" rather than an "update," allowing it to ignore some deferral flags.

The "Healing" Mechanism: It is closely linked to the Windows Update Medic Service (WaaSMedicSvc). If this task phones home and realizes your "desired state" (updates disabled) doesn't match Microsoft's "required state" (security patches for 24H2), it can trigger a "remediation." This is where it quietly flips registry bits back to default to "fix" your "broken" update system.

Backdoor Driver Blocking: You mentioned the backup software break. Even if you defer the big update, UCConfigTask.exe can pull down "Configuration Updates" (which aren't listed as KBs). These can silently update the Vulnerable Driver Blocklist in the background. If it pings the mothership, it gets the instruction to block Macrium's psmounterex.sys immediately, regardless of your GP deferral.

The WFC Advantage

By blocking it in WFC, you have effectively cut its tongue out.

It can't report that your system has "unauthorized" settings (your deferrals).

It can't download the new "Blocklist" updates that target your backup drivers.

It can't fetch the "Remediation" scripts that try to override your Group Policy.

Verdict

You caught a "scout." If you had let that connection through, the next thing you’d likely see is your Group Policy settings being ignored or your backup software suddenly throwing "Driver Blocked" errors.

garlin · May 7, 2026

AI is still garbage. The driver blocklist is a policy file included in the Monthly Update. It cannot be downloaded by other means, the file is only installed when you get a new Monthly Update. And it changes 2-3 times a year.

If you go to the W11 Update History portal, there is a CSV file provided for every month's KB which lists all the files included in that update. Searching for "driversipolicy.p7b" in this file confirms it's part of the Monthly Update. No Monthly Updates = no changes to the block list.

April 14, 2026—KB5083769 (OS Builds 26200.8246 and 26100.8246) - Microsoft Support

Ghot · May 7, 2026

@Steve C

Upgrading to Reflect X

Looking for some information on performing an upgrade to X, been a long time since I upgraded a version. Currently using licensed v8.1 on Win 11. I have a NAS and email rules. If I purchase X, is this a run the install upgrade and everything just keeps going or is this a "Complete" install...

www.elevenforum.com

Upgrading to Reflect X

Looking for some information on performing an upgrade to X, been a long time since I upgraded a version. Currently using licensed v8.1 on Win 11. I have a NAS and email rules. If I purchase X, is this a run the install upgrade and everything just keeps going or is this a "Complete" install...

www.elevenforum.com

andrew129260 · May 7, 2026

Sqrly said:
"ucconfigtask.exe", which I've never seen before, suddenly wants to call home. I block by default.

ucconfigtask.exe is a legit process related to user feedback, xbox, even Teams or old skype for Business. If you have those on your system that is what it was.

Since the Windows 11 2022 update, the vulnerable driver blocklist is enabled by default for all devices, and can be turned on or off via the Windows Security app. The vulnerable driver blocklist is also enforced when either memory integrity, also known as hypervisor-protected code integrity (HVCI), Smart App Control, or S mode is active. Users can opt in to HVCI using the Windows Security app, and HVCI is on by-default for most new Windows 11 devices.

The blocklist is updated quarterly. In addition, blocklist updates are delivered through the monthly Windows updates as part of the standard servicing process to help protect customers.

How do I determine if a driver is being blocked by the Microsoft vulnerable driver blocklist?

If customers suspect that a driver is being blocked by the Microsoft vulnerable driver blocklist, they can confirm by checking for Event ID 3077 in the Code Integrity Operational log. This event indicates that the driver was blocked in enforcement mode and will include Policy ID {D2BDA982-CCF6-4344-AC5B-0B44427B6816}.

To view the event:

Right-click Start, and then select Event Viewer.

On the left pane, go to Applications and Service Logs\Microsoft\Windows\CodeIntegrity\Operational.

On the middle pane, look for Event ID 3077.

bobkn · May 7, 2026

I had Macrium Reflect X. But I've given up on it. The only feature I used with any frequency was a full image of C;. I found it not to be significantly faster than for Reflect 8. I couldn't revert to the paid lifetime version of 8 because I bought X as an upgrade, which supposedly invalidated my 8 licenses.

I put 8 Free back on. Looking for an alternate drive imaging software, free or paid (one time).

Froggie · May 7, 2026

bobkn said:
I put 8 Free back on. Looking for an alternate drive imaging software, free or paid (one time).

Hasleo Backup Suite works fine... both FREE and PAID (no subscription) are available.

bobkn · May 7, 2026

Froggie said:
Hasleo Backup Suite works fine... both FREE and PAID (no subscription) are available.

Thanks. I've heard of it, but haven't tried it yet.

dalchina · May 7, 2026

bobkn said:
I had Macrium Reflect X. But I've given up on it. The only feature I used with any frequency was a full image of C;. I found it not to be significantly faster than for Reflect 8. I couldn't revert to the paid lifetime version of 8 because I bought X as an upgrade, which supposedly invalidated my 8 licenses.

I put 8 Free back on. Looking for an alternate drive imaging software, free or paid (one time).

If you only did full images, there are several reasons you may not have noticed much difference, including the hardware configuration used.
In particular it's said to be much faster restoring an image, rather than a smaller improvement in creating one. Differential imaging too.

Ghot · May 7, 2026

bobkn said:
Thanks. I've heard of it, but haven't tried it yet.

Here's the three most common ones...

Macrium Reflect, AOMEI Backupper and Hasleo Backup Suite - GUIDES

How to use backup software... 1. When everything is working perfectly... make a full Windows backup. 2. Then, if something breaks... restore from the latest backup. 3. Then... try "whatever you were doing" a different way. If it still breaks Windows, then... go to step #2. 4. Repeat...

www.elevenforum.com

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