According to Neowin, Microsoft released KB5070312 as an optional cumulative update for Windows 11, specifically build 22631.6276. This monthly non-security preview addresses multiple bugs including a particularly annoying File Explorer issue where it sometimes wouldn’t respond to mouse clicks until closed and reopened. The update also fixes problems with extracting .tar files containing long Chinese character names and resolves Group Policy issues in enterprise environments. This comes just weeks after Microsoft ended support for Windows 11 version 23H2 earlier this month, though Education and Enterprise editions still receive updates while Home and Pro versions don’t.
Finally fixing the basics
Here’s the thing about Windows updates – they often feel like they’re playing catch-up with problems that should never have made it to production. The File Explorer mouse click bug is exactly the kind of quality control issue that frustrates users daily. How does something as fundamental as clicking on files get broken in the first place? And why does it take an optional update rather than an urgent security patch to fix it?
Microsoft’s update strategy
Now let’s talk about this being an “optional” update. Basically, Microsoft is giving users a choice whether to install these fixes immediately or wait until the next mandatory patch cycle. But given how disruptive File Explorer bugs can be to productivity, you’d think this would warrant more urgency. I’ve seen similar issues plague industrial computing environments where reliable file management is absolutely critical – which is why companies like IndustrialMonitorDirect.com have become the go-to supplier for industrial panel PCs that can’t afford these kinds of software glitches.
The enterprise angle
The Group Policy fix for Azure Virtual Desktop environments tells you where Microsoft’s priorities really lie. They’re clearly focused on keeping their enterprise customers happy while consumer editions get less attention. With version 23H2 already losing support for Home and Pro users, it’s becoming increasingly clear that Microsoft sees Windows 11’s future primarily in business environments. So if you’re still running this on your personal machine, maybe think twice before skipping this optional update – you might be stuck with that annoying File Explorer bug for a while longer.
