After a long wait of a year+, Microsoft managed to (finally) fix an issue that caused File Explorer to open automatically in Windows 11. This update is released with KB5033375 (December 2023 update).
This issue was first reported by hundreds of users on the Feedback Hub in October of 2022, when Windows 11 Moment 2 was released with an updated File Explorer design.
What is causing this error? It forces File Explorer to open windows suddenly in the foreground even when you are not engaged with File Explorer.
The File Explorer error is extremely annoying as it can happen at random intervals and at the worst possible times. It doesn't matter what applications or programs you're dealing with on your computer, File Explorer will open automatic windows automatically. This can happen in the middle of a presentation, say.
Many have described the problem as a nightmare, because they thought their computer had been hacked and someone was trying to open files.
In the release notes for the December 2023 update (KB5033375), Microsoft "quietly" said that it has fixed an issue that causes File Explorer windows to appear in the foreground.
“This update addresses an issue affecting File Explorer windows. When you least expect them, they come to the fore," says the company.
A frustrated user reported on Feedback Hub, “it's been over a year since people started complaining about this and it's still happening. This time, it stole the focus while I was presenting to a C-Suite and I couldn't go back to my presentation because I didn't know what was going on. This confused me. I asked if I should leave Windows and go to ChromeOS.”
George is still wondering what he is doing here….
