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Windows 11 KB5072033, Microsoft’s final update on Tuesday in December 2025, brought a combination of improvements and stability, along with a few bugs witnessed by many users. Particularly, two significant problems in the security fixes of Microsoft are making headlines, though they have solved many concerns.
Moreover, users are encountering white flashes while using the dark mode. There are also networking failures witnessed in Windows Subsystem for Linux while leveraging third-party VPNs.
Here is a closer look at what is going on and how it can be fixed, as these issues are related to Windows 11 PC. The below article will also help users to fix each bug in a step-by-step manner.
Understanding These Bugs
Let’s have a look at what exactly is happening before looking to fix it:
File Explorer Flashes in Dark Mode
Recently, one of the most significant problems faced by users is that after installing Windows 11 earlier in December 2025, a jarring white flash appeared. This white flash appears while opening File Explorer, and there can be many reasons that trigger the flash. It can happen due to the creation of a new tab, copying files, changing between home & gallery, and also toggling the details pane.
Now let’s know, why did this happen?
This happened due to a preview update expanding the Windows dark mode. It can accidentally root File Explorer to show a white background even before the dark user interface is applied, which is particularly detectable in low-light spaces.
WSL Networking and VPN Problems
On the other hand, a different issue, including WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux ), is affecting the advanced users and software developers alike. They are losing control and accessibility on the network, especially when third-party VPNs are active or in use. Consequently, when the WSL setup is done to mirror the networking mode, some VPNs, including OpenVPN or Cisco Secure Client, ensure that traffic does not reach the Linux processes. Thus, this results in errors such as “No route to host.”
How to Fix File Explorer Dark Mode Flashes
Let’s have a look at how to fix file explorer white flashes in the dark mode issue.
Install KB5072033
Explicitly, one of the most recommended fixes is to ensure that you have installed the latest version of Windows 11 KB5072033. This version involves a few significant changes that can help address File Explorer’s issue.
Let’s have a look at the steps:
- Firstly, click on settings from the start menu of your PC.
- Click on Windows Update.
- Then search and go to check for updates.
- See version KB5072033, and download it.
- After that, restart your PC.
- Apply the update
Once you are done installing and applying the update KB5072033, most of the flashes will disappear. Especially the white flashes that appeared while opening File Explorer or doing common activities.
Switch to Temporary Light Mode
After doing all the necessary steps written above, yet you are witnessing the similar issue or the fix has not been done yet, switch to the Light Mode . This will help you ignore the problem entirely.
Follow the steps mentioned below;
- Click on setting in your PC
- Then go to personalization
- Click on Colors
- Look for the option, “Choose your mode.”
- Choose the option, Light.
Basically, by following the above steps, you can avoid the white flashes on the dark mode user interface completely. Though this does not sound exciting to the dark mode fans, it is an efficient way to work until the update reaches your desktop or PC.
Delay or Uninstall Problematic Updates
Furthermore, updates like the optional preview can also cause the flashing bug after their installation. Thus, to uninstall the update,
- Go to settings on your PC
- Click on Windows Update
- Then choose update history and click on uninstall updates
- Also, look for the problematic preview KB5070311, and then eliminate it.
- Then just restart your PC.
Therefore, with the help of the above steps, your system can be reverted without any regression. Nevertheless, you must be cautious while uninstalling updates so that the fixes do not get removed.
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Ananya Dixit is a seasoned content writer and editor with over seven years of experience in tech, finance, and media. She has written extensively about Microsoft technologies, covering multiple versions of Windows—from Windows 7 and 10 to the latest Windows 11 releases. Her work includes in-depth troubleshooting guides, feature breakdowns, how-to tutorials, optimization tips, and coverage of new system updates.Ananya is also passionate about trending topics in the tech world, including AI tools as her personal favorite, digital privacy, productivity apps, and the newest features rolling out across Android and iOS. Read Ananya’s Full Bio
