Subject: Intel XTU upgrade to v10.01.45 caused Windows 11 Pro issue

[max3228]

Only since I upgraded XTU to the latest version about a week ago, I have a Winndows 11 Pro search issue etc. When I place my cursor and left click on the Taskbar Search box all I get is a large greyed out box with a very thin cyan line running across the top. (see below attached .jpg)

Also I noticed that whenever I move a desktop open window up to the very top of my display (I have a large 34" UHD Monitor) my Windows Desktop background also goes completely grey also. These two issues happed at the same time just after I did the XTU Upgrade to 10.0.1.45.

I tried using a MS Win 11 Pro 25H2 (repair version) via. Windows Update three times and In between I did an Administrator level sfc /scannow using cmd prompt on my NVMe SSD C: drive and the result was it did not find any errors.

It failed to correct the above 2 x issues.

Can you please help me solve my two issues please without a complete re-install of Windows 11 Professional 25H2, and cruicially without loosing any data.

PS> I have a complete backup of my C: drive on another NVMe SSD but it was taken months ago and I am reluctant to use it. (using Macrium Reflect Pro)

[RichardC_Intel]

Hello max3228

Thank you for raising this concern via the Intel Community.

To better understand the issue, I would like to gather some additional information so I can provide the appropriate steps to help isolate the problem.

Before updating your XTU to 10.0.1.45, is there any other recent changes to the system?

Can you provide a screenshot of the windows update history?

What is the previous version of the XTU before the issue happens?

Have you tried rolling back to the previous version to check if the issue still persists?

Have you tried to perform a system restore to go back to a state where the computer is working?

Your response will help us further investigate the issue and provide the most suitable troubleshooting steps.

[max3228]

Hello Richard,

Thank you for replying to my post.

Q1. Before updating your XTU to 10.0.1.45, is there any other recent changes to the system?

No recent system changes to the best of my knowledge, and my overclocked PC with a watercooled AIO was runing superbly at 5.5GHz using Intel XTU and was stable and stress tested using Uniengine Heaven 4.0.

Q2. Can you provide a screenshot of the windows update history?
Please see below "Windows Update History.jpg" screenshot.

Q3. What is the previous version of the XTU before the issue happens?
I believe it was Version 10.0.1.31.

Q4. Have you tried rolling back to the previous version to check if the issue still persists?
No, I have not tried this as my system overclock (with a watercooled AIO) is working just fine.

Q5. Have you tried to perform a system restore to go back to a state where the computer is working?
Actually I did try a System Resore, but it was unfortunately after I tried the Windows 11 Pro version (repair version) , which absolutely made no difference at all. But it seemed to wipe all my System Resore Points that I know they existed before I tried a Windows 11 Pro (repair version) via Windows Update.

Many thanks,
max3228

[RichardC_Intel]

Hello max3228

Thank you for your response and for providing the requested details.

Based on the information you've shared, this issue appears to be related to the operating system. To help us properly diagnose and isolate the root cause, I'd like to guide you through a few troubleshooting steps that should help resolve what you're experiencing.

First, let's try isolating any OS-related issues:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
2. Locate "Windows Explorer" in the process list
3. Right-click on it and select "Restart"

If the issue continues after trying the above step, let's explore graphics-related causes:

1. Download the latest drivers for your system:
   1. Intel: Intel® Arc™ Graphics - Windows*
   2. Nvidia: Driver Results | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Ti | Windows 11
2. Uninstall both graphics drivers using DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller)
3. Perform a clean installation of the updated drivers

These steps will help us systematically identify whether the issue stems from the operating system or graphics components. Please try the first step initially, and if the problem persists, we can proceed with the graphics driver troubleshooting.

I'm here to assist you through each step, and I look forward to hearing which of these recommended solutions helps resolve the issue you're experiencing.

[max3228]

Hello Richard,

Thank you for trying to assist me in sorting out the issue.

"First, let's try isolating any OS-related issues:"

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager // Done
2. Locate "Windows Explorer" in the process list // Done
3. Right-click on it and select "Restart" // Done
4. The issue still persists
5. Uninstall both graphics drivers using DDU // Done
6. Intel: Intel Arc Graphics - Windows  // Done (Clean Install)
7. Nvidia: NVIDIA Geforce RTX 4060Ti  // Done (Clean Install)
8. Perform a clean installation of the updated drivers
9. The issue still persists

[max3228 · Accepted solution]

Hello Richard,

I have found a solution to all my issues, I said in my first post that I had a clone of Windows 11 Pro 64bit, and what I ended up doing is to switch around my clone to the primary NVMe slot and remove the corrupted version NVMe SSD completely.
I will format that and make another clone from the now perfectly working OS C: Drive.

Because the Win 11 Pro 64bit clone was taken several months ago it had an earlier Intel XTU version 10.0.1.31 running and I have disabled the auto update on it as I don't want to "tempt fate".

Thank you for all your help Richard.

PS. Please view my fixed search box attached below. Screenshot_16.jpg (39KB)

[KentRusselP_Intel]

Hello max3228,

Thank you for your response and for letting us know that the issue has been resolved. We appreciate you sharing the solution steps, as this information is very helpful. At this time, I will go ahead and close the inquiry. If you need further assistance or have any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to submit a new request. Kindly note that once closed, this thread will no longer be monitored.

Thank you for choosing Intel.

Best regards,

Kent Russel P.

Intel Customer Support Technician