Microsoft just released an optional update for Windows 11. This was supposed to give users the long-awaited consistent dark mode experience, but it accidentally broke the File Explorer interface with blinding white screen flashes.

This update is titled the 2025-11 Preview Update, and you have to manually download it. If you install it, you will land on Windows 11 Build 26200.7309 (for version 25H2) or Build 26100.7309 (for version 24H2). The good news is that since it is optional, you can skip it. In fact, skipping it right now is exactly what you should do until Microsoft issues a proper fix.

The whole reason people were excited about KB5070311 was the promise of a truly cohesive dark theme in File Explorer. For years, Windows 11 has had a dark mode, but the consistency fell apart the moment you tried to copy, move, or delete files. Those legacy dialog boxes, which pop up to show copy progress or ask for confirmation, were always blinding white. This completely defeated the purpose of using dark mode in the first place.

This latest update finally fixed that issue. It had dark mode support for delete folder confirmation, multi-file delete, the “File In Use” dialog, and all copy and move progress bars. However, Microsoft managed to break the core experience of File Explorer in the process of fixing the dialogs.

The new problem is that when you perform certain actions in dark mode, the File Explorer window might briefly display a blank white screen before loading content. This flash is incredibly jarring, especially if you are using File Explorer in full-screen at night.

Microsoft has acknowledged this as a known issue. The white screen flash shows up when you are launching File Explorer to the Home page, switching between the Home and Gallery views, or navigating to the Home page from anywhere else. There is sometimes a flash when creating a new tab, turning the Details pane on and off, and even selecting “More details” while copying files can trigger the white screen.

Fortunately, Microsoft is aware of the problem and is working on a resolution. The company has classified this as a known issue, which usually means they are prioritizing a patch. The monthly Patch Tuesday security update is scheduled for December 9. While security updates usually do not include feature fixes, there is a chance Microsoft might sneak the File Explorer patch in then.

If the fix isn’t delivered by December 9, we fully expect the fix to arrive in January 2026, when regular monthly servicing resumes. Microsoft also confirmed that it will not release a non-security preview update in December due to the Western holidays.

While the File Explorer bug is the main takeaway, KB5070311 is a massive optional update that packed in several other notable changes that may make you want to download it. For example, Windows 11 handheld gaming devices, like the ASUS ROG Ally, now get a full-screen experience. This gives you a console-style interface through the Xbox app, making handheld gaming much cleaner. The update also improves performance by minimizing background tasks, keeping gameplay smooth and responsive.

For those of us who prioritize a smooth visual experience, especially in dark mode, I recommend holding off on KB5070311 entirely.