Microsoft finally admits almost all major Windows 11 core features are broken

So, I used the AI we love so much and it provided a sensible answer to this ^^

I asked "is this actually true? "Microsoft finally admits almost all major Windows 11 core features are broken""

The headline you quoted, "Microsoft finally admits almost all major Windows 11 core features are broken," appears to be a highly sensationalized and exaggerated title used in articles and discussions to report on a specific, but significant, technical problem Microsoft acknowledged.

Here's a breakdown of what the reports indicate:

The Admission: Microsoft did acknowledge a widespread issue affecting core Windows 11 components like the Start Menu, Taskbar, File Explorer, and System Settings.

The Cause: The issue is a specific bug related to XAML components failing to register correctly after certain cumulative updates, particularly those released on or after July 2025 (e.g., KB5062553).

The Scope: While the affected features are indeed "core," Microsoft indicated the problem primarily affects a limited number of enterprise or managed environments, especially those using non-persistent OS installations like Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) or installations where updates were applied before the first-time user login. It was less likely to impact personal home devices, though some individual users reported issues.

The Severity: For the affected users, the malfunctions were severe, resulting in issues like Explorer crashes, Start Menu failures, and the Taskbar not appearing. These are the problems that led to the "broken core features" headlines.

The Workaround/Fix: Microsoft provided temporary workarounds (like PowerShell scripts) for IT administrators and has been working on an official fix.

So, while Microsoft confirmed serious, widespread failures in fundamental parts of the OS (Start Menu, Taskbar, etc.) for a particular set of users and under specific conditions, the phrase "almost all major Windows 11 core features are broken" is an overstatement of the company's official admission and the overall state of the operating system for all users. It's a prime example of a dramatic headline emphasizing the severity of the bug rather than the technical nuance of the admission.