ExplorerPatcher fixes Windows 11 24H2 upgrade block and resolves two significant bugs

ExplorerPatcher fixes Windows 11 24H2 upgrade block and resolves two significant bugs

Updates to ExplorerPatcher Enhance Windows 11 24H2 Functionality

ExplorerPatcher has emerged as a highly regarded third-party tool for customizing and optimizing the Windows experience. The recent update introduces three significant enhancements tailored specifically for Windows 11 24H2 users. Notably, these developments come in the wake of Microsoft gradually lifting a compatibility block on customization applications.

Bypassing Upgrade Restrictions

One of the standout features of this update is the app’s newfound ability to circumvent the Windows 11 24H2 upgrade block. With this change, users can now utilize ExplorerPatcher without fear of being restricted by Microsoft’s safeguards that were previously imposed during the Insider testing phase.

Improved Desktop Window Manager Compatibility

The developer has also enhanced the compatibility of ExplorerPatcher’s Desktop Window Manager. This improvement involves renaming the executable file from ep_dwm.exe to ep_dwm_svc.exe, thereby facilitating smoother operation within the latest Windows environment.

Addressing Earlier Issues

Historically, Microsoft implemented blocks against third-party applications like ExplorerPatcher in April 2024 during its Insider testing. These measures persisted even after the official rollout of Windows 11, impacting many users who depended on these tools for customization.

Bug Fixes and New Features

Among the included bug fixes, two crucial adjustments directly address issues pertinent to Windows 11 24H2. The highly sought-after “disable rounded corners”feature is now fully functional, allowing users to tailor their aesthetic preferences more closely. Prior to this update, this option would revert when identifying a 24H2 build, causing frustration among users who favored sharper edges over rounded corners.

In addition, the Simple Window Switcher (SWS) was notably referenced in the update notes. Although SWS was operational, users had reported performance issues, such as lag and slowdowns caused by underlying coding challenges. An engineer from Microsoft confirmed that similar problems often stem from code inconsistencies.

User Experiences

User feedback surrounding the SWS feature indicated a range of persistent technical glitches. Notably, one user documented several complications, including high CPU usage and an infinite loop, underscoring the need for ongoing developer attention.

Complete Changelog

  • Start10: Resolved issues with Pin to Start on versions 226×1.4541+ and 261xx.2454+.
  • SWS: Added support for Windows 11 24H2.
  • ep_dwm: Enhanced compatibility for Windows 11 24H2.
  • ep_dwm.exe renamed to ep_dwm_svc.exe to bypass upgrade blocks.
  • Uninstallation now consistently unregisters ep_dwm, regardless of its operational status.
  • Setup now displays line number in failure messages to facilitate troubleshooting.
  • Taskbar10: Corrected immersive menu issues on ARM64.
  • Taskbar10: Eliminated erroneous Windows Terminal entries in the Win+X menu.
  • Taskbar10: Resolved non-responsive Win+X entry clicks on 26xxx.5551+ ARM64.
  • GUI: Introduced dropdown indicators for improved navigation.
  • Localization: Added Czech and Spanish (Spain) language support.
  • ep_taskbar: Introduced support for hiding the “Show desktop”button.
  • Numerous bugs relating to taskbar behavior and memory leaks were addressed.
  • Fixed incompatibility with several Windows versions (26200.5603, 26120.4151, and 26100.4188).
  • Now supports all Windows 10 versions accommodated by ExplorerPatcher.

Security Considerations

It’s important to note that while ExplorerPatcher enhances user experience, Microsoft Defender may flag the newer versions of the app. To facilitate the application’s smooth operation, users are provided with PowerShell commands to exclude specific paths from antivirus scans:

Add-MpPreference -ExclusionPath "C:\Program Files\ExplorerPatcher" Add-MpPreference -ExclusionPath "$env:APPDATA\ExplorerPatcher" Add-MpPreference -ExclusionPath "C:\Windows\dxgi.dll" Add-MpPreference -ExclusionPath "C:\Windows\SystemApps\Microsoft. Windows. StartMenuExperienceHost_cw5n1h2txyewy" Add-MpPreference -ExclusionPath "C:\Windows\SystemApps\ShellExperienceHost_cw5n1h2txyewy"

However, users should exercise caution when adding exclusions, as Microsoft Defender plays a vital role in safeguarding systems against various threats, including recent malware outbreaks like Lumma, which has compromised numerous systems globally.

For ongoing updates and detailed information, further insights can be found on platforms like Neowin.

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