Explorer.exe high CPU usage after latest update, Win11

Anonymous
2022-02-17T10:11:19+00:00

I am running Windows 11 Pro 64 bit version 21H2, build 22000.527.

After the latest update explorer.exe started to grab occasionally about 20% to 50% CPU power. Upon this high CPU time taskbar does not work, applications already on the desktop work though.

I have checked the desktop folder for any files missing the icon and I have also disabled OneDrive, did not help.

This problem is on almost all the time. It easies down occasionally but starts again. If I have the computer locked and log in again the problem starts immediately.

I do have some applications in desktop right button menu but they were there before the update without any problem(7-zip, WinZIP, NitroPDF etc).

This is quite annoying and prevents me working with the PC. The computer is Lenovo Thinkbook with 11th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-1165G7 @ 2.80GHz 2.80 GHz and 16 GB RAM.

Should I try to uninstall the latest update and is there a change that it messes up the operating system?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Performance and system failures

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  1. Anonymous
    2022-03-10T15:14:38+00:00

    I know...I was waiting for email on this topic:). I have the same problem after last update.

    Would it be possible that u have used the registry hack which puts taskbar icons to the left side of the taskbar.

    I believe this was the thing which caused all of this.

    My PC is working properly now after:

    1. I deleted my profile and removed it completely from the WIndows 11
    • this did not help
    • after logging in first time my taskbar was completely empty
    1. I deleted my profile again and created a new one-->same thing
    • all other profiles with taskbar icons in the middle worked ok
    1. I deleted my profile once more and removed my domain account and recreated it. After that I logged in to create a new profile in Windows 11 and VOILA...everything is working now perfectly....but the taskbar is in the middle. I guess I have to live with it.

    All updates are installed now.

    Microsoft has done something to prevent moving the taskbar. When released this was so important to Microsoft and I really do not understand why. Empire strikes back.

    Please let me know if you have moved your taskbar icons also.

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  2. Anonymous
    2022-03-10T15:38:45+00:00

    I had used the Taskbar settings screen to try the left and center positions, no registry hack.

    When you deleted your profile, did you have to make a backup copy of all the folders and data in the c:\User,<username> folder first? I have a lot of stuff in my user folder.

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  3. Anonymous
    2022-03-10T15:52:58+00:00

    Luckily I have all my files in OneDrive replicated folder. Same thing with desktop.

    In my case it was rather easy. You need to copy your files in other location first.

    In my case I had to recreate my domain account also. You have to do that also if you are connected to domain.

    Try first to create a new account in Win 11 and check if that works ok…then you can determine that it is or is not a profile problem.

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  4. Anonymous
    2022-03-17T01:38:16+00:00

    I'm having same issue and have KB5011493. This update isn't giving me an option to uninstall in Programs and Features. Double-clicking does nothing and right-clicking doesn't show the uninstall option as other updates do.

    Hopefully an update fixes this soon.

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  5. Anonymous
    2022-03-17T01:46:40+00:00

    Shawn,

    You uninstall from the Windows Update > Update history. Scroll to the bottom and select "Uninstall updates". It will open an a window where you can select the CUM and uninstall it.

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