Running a law firm means juggling sensitive client data, tight deadlines, and countless files. So, when technology acts up, it can disrupt even the best-organized practices. A recent Windows 11 update has introduced a frustrating glitch in the File Explorer window, causing headaches for many businesses. Let’s break down what’s going on, how common the issue is, and what you can do about it until Microsoft rolls out a permanent fix.
What’s Happening with File Explorer?
The Windows 11 24H2 update, released in November 2024, brought an unwelcome surprise: a glitch causing the File Explorer menu bar to jump to the top of the screen—or worse, vanish off-screen entirely. According to IT monitoring reports, about 35% of Windows 11 users have encountered this issue.
Here’s when it typically strikes:
- Opening File Explorer: Essential tools like file management and navigation buttons sometimes disappear, making basic tasks difficult.
- Switching Between Windows: Using Alt+Tab can cause the menu to misalign.
- Connecting External Displays: Docking or undocking from monitors often triggers the issue, complicating office setups.
Why This Matters for Law Firms
For law firms, managing digital files isn’t optional—it’s essential. Whether drafting contracts or filing court documents, easy access to File Explorer tools is critical.
While this glitch is far from catastrophic, it is quite annoying and a has caused slowdowns and more frequent calls to IT support—time that could be better spent serving clients.
Quick Fixes You Can Use Now
Until Microsoft rolls out a fix, here’s how to get File Explorer back on track:
Switch to Windowed Mode:
- Open File Explorer.
- Click the Restore Down button (the middle icon in the upper-right corner between minimize and close).
- Manually resize the File Explorer window by dragging its edges until the menu bar appears correctly.
- Result: Switching from full-screen to windowed mode forces Windows to reposition the File Explorer interface, bringing the menu bar back into view.
For now, avoid maximizing File Explorer. Keeping it in windowed mode prevents the glitch from occurring until an official fix is released.
What’s Next?
Microsoft is expected to address the issue in a future update, likely in early 2025. Until then, ensure your IT team is aware of these workarounds and ready to help. Staying proactive can keep your law firm running smoothly despite the glitch.
Final Thoughts
Technology hiccups are more than minor annoyances—they can be serious productivity killers, especially in a busy law firm. By understanding the Windows 11 File Explorer glitch and using these temporary fixes, you can keep operations running smoothly while waiting for Microsoft’s official solution.