Windows 11 KB5072033 Problems: Microsoft Acknowledges Bug Impacting WSL and Additional Features

Released on December 9, 2025, Windows 11 KB5072033 marks the final Patch Tuesday update of the year. While preliminary tests indicate improved stability compared to previous releases, there have been some reported installation errors by certain users. Additionally, issues concerning the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) and persistent white flashes in File Explorer have surfaced.

Resolving White Flashes in File Explorer: The Ongoing Challenge

File Explorer dark mode dialogs — Image Courtesy: WindowsLatest.com

The introduction of dark mode for dialog boxes, like the “Delete confirmation” prompt, in the November 2025 update drew attention to flickering issues in File Explorer, particularly when navigating to the Gallery or Home pages and shifting between tabs. This instability has also affected the “Details” Panel.

Microsoft addressed some of these white flash issues in the KB5072033 update. Users have reported resolutions when accessing the Home or Gallery tabs while File Explorer is already active. However, opening a new tab still triggers a noticeable white flash, particularly during the rendering process when using the Ctrl+T shortcut or the ‘+’ icon in the File Explorer interface.

Testing has shown that this flashing behavior persists across multiple reboots, indicating it remains a consistent issue that users should remain aware of.

WSL Connectivity Issues Linked to KB5072033 Update

Compounding user frustrations, Microsoft’s recent update has also been reported to negatively impact the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL).This issues spans across all Windows updates released post-October 28, including KB5072033 for Windows 10.

Windows Subsystem for Linux on Windows 11

According to a support document identified by Windows Latest, a specific bug within the WSL when utilizing mirrored networking mode adversely affects connectivity when using certain third-party VPN applications.

WSL is designed to run within the Windows environment, seamlessly accessing the Windows network unless operating under mirrored networking, which aims to directly emulate the Windows network setup. After the latest update, users connecting to a VPN may encounter the “No route to host” error, hindering access to services such as GitHub.

Microsoft has attributed this issue to the VPN’s virtual interface failing to respond effectively to ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) requests. Notably, users of Cisco Secure Client (formerly known as Cisco AnyConnect) and OpenVPN have reported being affected by this connectivity problem.

While Microsoft informs that users of Windows Home or Pro editions are less likely to experience WSL issues, those affected currently have no recourse. The company is actively investigating this matter, with a resolution expected to be included in the Patch Tuesday update scheduled for January 13, 2026.

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