Microsoft has acknowledged issues with the taskbar freezing or the desktop remaining blank for a long time. The cause is said to be a faulty taskbar.
A known issue in Windows 11 apparently causes the taskbar to freeze immediately after logging in. This problem can also occur when you right-click on the desktop and the taskbar. However, these issues are expected to be resolved with the Windows 11 update due in May 2026, according to Windows Latest.
Ironically, it is the KB5089549 update that is supposed to bring these improvements. This is because the patch has a bug and it cannot be installed on some computers. Instead, the installation of this important update fails with error code 0x800f0922. (Incidentally, KB5089549 also creates a new folder on your computer.)
However, for those who manage to install KB5089549, a freezing taskbar or a blank desktop should be a thing of the past. A Windows Latest staff member reports noticeably better performance, particularly immediately after logging in. Windows Latest quotes Microsoft as follows regarding this update:
This update contains fundamental changes designed to improve the reliability of explorer.exe, including during log-in, when interacting with taskbar menus and Task View, and when removing items from File Explorer’s Quick Access, among other things.
Accordingly, this change that Microsoft is making with the patch is particularly important: “[General Performance] This update improves performance when launching apps that run after the device is turned on (apps listed under ‘Settings > Apps > Start’)“.
This change is intended to make Windows 11 feel less sluggish immediately after booting up.
