File Explorer (Desktop, Taskbar, Start Menu) completely disappeared: only a grey background shows up and all windows are minimized on the bottom-left of screen.

[GAC-Machine]

Before reporting your issue

• [x] I have confirmed that this issue does not happen when ExplorerPatcher is not installed
• [x] I do not have "register as shell extension" enabled
• [x] I have tried my best to check existing issues

Repro ExplorerPatcher versions

22631.5335.68.2

Repro Windows Versions

Windows 23H2 22631.5624

3rd party tweak software installed

Windhawk (disabled) Openshell (disabled) Nilesoft Shell Lively Wallpaper

Describe the bug

File Explorer (Desktop, Taskbar, Start Menu) completely disappeared: only a grey background shows up and all windows are minimized on the bottom-left of screen.

Expected outcome

Show Desktop (press Win+D), Taskbar and Start Menu normally.

Actual outcome

Nothing showed, just a grey background and windows minimized on botton-left edge of screen.

Additional info

N/A

Crash Dumps

N/A

Media

[pyrates999]

update your EP: https://github.com/valinet/ExplorerPatcher/releases

[GAC-Machine]

@pyrates999 I am using already latest stable version !! (as of 2025-08-21).

[pyrates999]

Because you just updated EP. Now please check that it is still happening.