Microsoft has released a non-security update for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2 that introduces an unusual bug affecting one of the operating system’s most essential utilities.
The update, designated as KB5067036, is causing Task Manager to continue running in the background even after users close the application. This issue has been officially acknowledged by Microsoft as a known problem in the latest optional update.
The KB5067036 update is part of Microsoft’s routine maintenance releases designed to improve functionality, performance, and reliability across Windows 11 systems.
This particular update falls under the category of optional non-security preview releases, which are typically made available during the fourth week of each month.
These updates allow users to receive new features and improvements ahead of the mandatory security updates that roll out on the second Tuesday of every month, commonly known as Patch Tuesday.
What the Update Brings to Windows 11
The update includes various improvements to AI components for Copilot Plus PC experiences, with enhanced versions of Image Search, Content Extraction, Semantic Analysis, and Settings Model.
Additionally, it contains a servicing stack update designated as KB5067035, which ensures that devices can properly receive and install future Windows updates. The servicing stack is a critical component that maintains the reliability and robustness of the Windows update system.
According to Microsoft’s official documentation, Task Manager may continue operating in the background after users attempt to close the application.
This behavior represents a disruption from normal functionality, where closing Task Manager should completely terminate the process.
The issue affects both Windows 11 version 24H2 and the newer 25H2 release, indicating that the problem spans multiple current Windows versions.
Task Manager is a crucial system utility that allows users to monitor running applications, track system performance, manage startup programs, and terminate unresponsive processes.
Having it continue running in the background could potentially consume system resources unnecessarily and may cause confusion for users who expect the application to fully close when dismissed.
The KB5067036 update is available through Windows Update as an optional download. Users can access it by navigating to Start, then Settings, followed by Update and Security, and finally Windows Update.
The update appears in the Optional Updates Available section, where users can choose to download and install it. For users who install the update and encounter issues, Microsoft has provided removal instructions.
However, there is an important limitation: while the cumulative update can be removed using the DISM command-line tool with the Remove-Package option, the servicing stack update cannot be removed once installed.
Users cannot use the Windows Update Standalone Installer with the uninstall switch on the combined package, as this method will not work for packages that include servicing stack updates.
Microsoft continues to monitor feedback and typically addresses known issues in subsequent updates. Users experiencing the Task Manager problem may want to wait for a resolution before installing this optional update.
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