Windows Update KB4579311 causing explorer to crash repeatedly when logging in.

I can confirm upon restarting while downloading Halo MCC that the problem returned. I am now using @YEvers workaround as well.

I don't have the time to write up a proper walk-through of the fix (for those unfamiliar with using the Task Manager to run processes), but here's a basic version:

1. Use Task Manager to access Services and disable Storage Service.
2. Restart computer
3. Create a batch file in a permanent, safe location with the following contents (credit to @YEvers):

sc config StorSvc start= demand

sc start StorSvc

sc config StorSvc start= disabled

4. Access Task Scheduler and create a new task with:

Run only when user is logged on

Run with highest privileges checked

Trigger At Log on of any user

Start a program, pointing to the batch file from 3)

5. Restart computer

You should now be able to use the Xbox app as normal.

If you have a laptop, you may want to uncheck "Start the task only if the computer is on AC power" in the Conditions tab of the scheduled task you made. I left all the Settings tab to their defaults. Also, it's unclear what delaying the task does except cause the Xbox app to be inoperable until the delay. Right now I am though doing a 5 second delay.

I would only add, if this issue is ever truly fixed, keep in mind you may want to disable this task scheduler task in the future in case there could be any side effects.

For me, everything was fine after uninstalling Halo MCC but keeping multiple other Game Pass games installed (including Flight Simulator and Forza Horizon 4, which have been mentioned as potential 'problematic' games in this thread before).

I had not been experiencing the issue anymore until two days ago, after I had installed Dirt 5 from Game Pass. Since then, explorer consistently crashed after login. Unfortunately, removing Dirt 5 did not fix the issue and thus I have been experiencing the crashes with only the games installed that previously did not cause the problem. As I did not want to uninstall all my games I am using @YEvers' workaround (page 7) for now.

As of 3/10/2021, after installing KB4689212 and KB5000802...

Just tested those patches too. No change for me. Crashes persist. I have the StorageService disabled when shutting down and keep a bunch of games on my disk. ( XGP Ultimate subscription is running and all games are officially licenced atm!)  

You might have just been lucky with that game. So far it is known that the problem is just caused by a hand full of games. Presumably those that have a deeper affiliation with Microsoft...

I would recommend you to check if the crashes appear after each installation of a Microsoft Store Game. Uninstall that game if you get the Error...

I have continued re-testing the issue after new Windows updates. As of 3/10/2021, after installing KB4689212 and KB5000802, and installing the Xbox app plus one game, I have an update. I have restarted a couple times with storage service enabled and not encountered the problem.

I will update this thread if I start encountering it again.

I would say this is good news, but I will hold off saying the problem is solved. I have experienced this before where an update seems to fix the problem initially, before again experiencing it.

I don't know if this matters, but I installed Age of Empires 2 Definitive Edition on a drive that didn't hold windows, and without shortcuts. It's currently downloading.

For the majority of us the solution was to completely remove every game obtained from game pass. It is speculated this issue results in from games no longer included in game pass failing to update, or users with an expired game pass subscription not being able to update any game. I don't think there's a patch coming for this anytime soon though.