Windows 11 25H2 Beta KB5074157 Fixes Taskbar and Start Menu Issues

Microsoft has recently released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7653, identified by the update number KB5074157, to the Beta Channel. This update is part of the Windows 11 25H2 preview stream and focuses on enhancing stability and user experience by addressing several issues that have been affecting the Taskbar and Start Menu. The rollout of these changes utilizes a Controlled Feature Rollout model, meaning that while the update installs on all eligible devices, the new features and fixes may be enabled gradually for users. This approach allows Microsoft to monitor feedback and ensure a smoother transition for a wider audience. Early adopters in the Insider program have the opportunity to test these improvements before their general release, providing valuable data for further refinement.

The KB5074157 update aims to resolve a range of problems, including a memory leak in the Start Menu that could lead to performance degradation over time. It also tackles issues with the Taskbar, particularly concerning its autohide functionality, and addresses some of the reliability problems that have been reported by Insiders in recent preview builds. Beyond these core interface elements, the update also brings minor UI modernizations and support for new image formats, contributing to a more polished and versatile Windows experience.

Addressing Taskbar Functionality and Responsiveness

One of the significant areas addressed by KB5074157 is the stability and responsiveness of the Windows 11 Taskbar. Users have reported various issues, from the Taskbar becoming unresponsive to problems with its autohide feature.

A key fix within this update resolves an issue where the Taskbar, when set to autohide, would prematurely appear before the user interacted with the bottom of the screen. This premature invocation could obstruct the use of applications in that area, causing frustration and disrupting workflow. The update ensures that the autohide behavior is more consistent and predictable, only revealing the Taskbar when intended.

Furthermore, the update addresses a bug that sometimes prevented the Start Menu, Notification Center, and Quick Settings from opening when clicked. While keyboard shortcuts for these features continued to work, the mouse click functionality was inconsistent. This fix restores reliable mouse interaction for these crucial system elements, ensuring users can access them easily and without interruption.

The update also includes underlying fixes that could cause explorer.exe to hang during the initial login process, particularly when certain applications were configured to start automatically. Such hangs could manifest as a non-appearing or unresponsive Taskbar, impacting the overall usability of the operating system right from the start of a session. By resolving these startup-related hangs, KB5074157 aims to provide a more stable and immediate desktop experience upon login.

Revitalizing the Start Menu Experience

The Start Menu, a central hub for launching applications and accessing system functions, has also received considerable attention in this update. Several issues plaguing its performance and usability have been targeted for resolution.

A notable fix addresses a memory leak within the Start Menu. Over time, such leaks can consume system resources, leading to noticeable performance degradation and sluggishness. By mitigating this memory leak, the update aims to ensure that the Start Menu remains responsive and efficient, even after extended periods of use.

For users in regions using Arabic and Hebrew, a specific bug caused the Start Menu to open on the incorrect side of the screen when taskbar icons were not centered. This update corrects that alignment issue, ensuring the Start Menu appears in the expected location regardless of taskbar icon positioning, thereby improving usability for a global audience.

Additionally, an issue where attempting to pan a folder of pinned apps in the Start Menu using touch would dismiss the entire menu has been resolved. This fix allows for smoother interaction with app folders, particularly for users who rely on touch input, enabling better organization and access to their applications.

Enhancements to Settings and User Interface

Beyond the core Taskbar and Start Menu, KB5074157 also introduces improvements to the Settings app and other user interface elements, aiming for a more modern and consistent experience.

The update includes modernized Account Settings dialogs, rebuilt using the WinUI framework. These dialogs, which handle tasks like adding or changing account types, now fully support dark mode, aligning with the system’s overall visual theme. This provides a more visually cohesive experience, especially for users who prefer a dark theme across their operating system.

Support for the .webp image format as a desktop background has also been added. This means users can now directly set .webp images as their wallpaper through Settings > Personalization > Background without needing to convert them first. This feature enhances user convenience by supporting a widely used modern image format.

The update also addresses crashing issues within the Settings app that occurred when users interacted with audio devices. By resolving these crashes, the stability of the Settings app is improved, allowing for smoother management of audio configurations and other system preferences.

Under-the-Hood Fixes and Broader System Stability

KB5074157 incorporates several other fixes that contribute to the overall stability and reliability of Windows 11.

A fix restores the reporting of battery levels for affected Bluetooth devices. This ensures that users can accurately monitor the battery status of their Bluetooth peripherals directly within Windows 11, enhancing the management of connected devices.

The update also resolves an issue where the keyboard character repeat delay setting within Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Keyboard was configured incorrectly. This ensures that keyboard repeat rate adjustments function as expected, providing a better typing experience.

Finally, the build includes fixes for issues related to the login screen, such as a blank password icon, and addresses problems with the Xbox Full Screen Experience that could cause unexpected behavior in certain titles or utilities.