If you’ve installed third-party Apps on Windows 11 to customize its look or add features Windows lacks, you could be in a mess when you install the latest July Patch Tuesday Update KB5028182 (OS build 22000.2176). Especially, if you’re using “ExplorerPatcher” and “StartAllBack”. Microsoft recommends removing these apps prior to installing the update on version 21H2. Otherwise, get ready to receive Explorer.exe errors in an endless loop.
Windows 11 KB5028182 Update
As part of Patch Tuesday, for the July month 2023, Microsoft has released Cumulative Updates KB5028182 and KB5028185 for Windows 11 version 21H2 and 22H2 respectively.
KB5028182 is a mandatory security update for Windows 11 21H2 that addresses various security issues.
If you’ve running Windows 11 and customized Windows Explorer using apps such as ExplorerPatcher and StartAllBack, wait and don’t install KB5028182.
Microsoft is now warning to remove those before installing the security update. Here is why in more detail below.
These types of apps sometimes use unsupported methods to achieve their customization, hence you get unintended results on Windows.
These two apps can “cause errors with explorer.exe might repeat multiple times in a loop”
Because of conflict with update” some third-party UI customization apps might not start up”, Microsoft says.
In case you don’t know, EXplorerPatcher is a third-party paid app that brings the “never combine” feature to Windows 11 taskbar, which is available to insiders running Dev Channel.
StartAllBack is a paid software, that can modify Windows 11 start menu, Taskbar, and File Explorer.
The app allows you to move the taskbar to the top, left, or right edges and shows labels on taskbar icons.
You may have paid or got free customization options for Windows 11 at the cost of issues
Windows Update may break third-party apps that alter Windows 11 GUI, KB5028182 is no different.
Workaround for Windows 11 KB5028182 Update Explorer.exe crashes if using StartAllBack or ExplorerPatcher
If you’re using StartAllBack, what you can do to prevent the explorer.exe crash loop is by updating to its latest version v3.5.6 or later.
If you’re using ExplorerPatcher, contact the developer or uninstall the update. Since this is a security update we don’t recommend removing it.
What’s your take on this? Are you using one of these two apps and affected by Explorer.exe crashes? Let us know in the comments below.
Final words: Uninstall these Windows 11 customization apps ExplorerPatcher and StartAllBack before installing KB5028182 July Patch Tuesday Update to prevent Explorer.exe from crashing in a loop.
Wow, this is exactly the issue that I am facing. I’m hoping uninstalling that KB will fix it.
I had the same issue today after Windows update. ExplorerPatcher prevernted windows explorer from starting. The only way was to unistall EP from command line. However now I don’t have the “never group” option anymore.
This must be my issue.. Any tips how to remove the update?? I cant do anything! Going to have to do full reinstall!!!!
I’m an IT Trainee in a german company. I entcountered the loop just recently for the first time while setting up a new PC for a colleague. The colleague is using multiple user accounts and I tried giving her access to some files on the Desktop, so she doesn’t have to switch continously. For me, this files caused the error. After removing it with Admin Account the loop was fixed.
Today I got a call from a home office colleague. Same issue, other circumstances. As I understand, he just updated a business program on a virtual Win 11 machine and after that, it looped. Maybe he also updated Windows, don’t know. In his case, I couldn’t repair the damage since I couldn’t figure out the cause.
So from my Point of view, it is not just appearence changing programs.