Microsoft has identified a significant bug in File Explorer that impacts Windows 11 versions 21H2 and 22H2. Specifically, users encounter difficulties accessing the "Effective Access" menu within the "Advanced Security Settings" dialog box for shared files and folders.

Rather than displaying the query results as expected, the File Explorer fails to respond correctly, leading to ongoing CPU usage by the explorer.exe process even after closing the Advanced Security settings dialog.

Microsoft has reported that the high CPU utilization issue persists until the currently logged-in user signs out or the system is rebooted. Simply locking Windows does not resolve the bug, according to Microsoft's findings. It is worth noting that this File Explorer bug was introduced with KB5026368 and KB5026372, which were Patch Tuesday Cumulative Updates released on May 9 for Windows 11 versions 21H2 and 22H2, respectively.

Although Microsoft took more than a month to acknowledge the issues, the company offers an explanation for the seemingly delayed response. They state, "This issue is unlikely to be experienced by consumers using Windows devices in their home," which is understandable as the "Effective Access" feature primarily caters to specific corporate environments.

If you are currently encountering high CPU utilization when accessing this particular feature, Microsoft suggests attempting the workaround of logging out or rebooting the system. In the meantime, the company assures users that they are actively working on an internal fix, which is expected to be available later this month.

File Explorer Bug Affects Windows 11: High CPU Utilization