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Why is Windows Defender blocking ExplorerPatcher?
It causes security or performance issues, according to Microsoft
2 min. read
Published onMay 13, 2024
published onMay 13, 2024
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Modifications to Windows are getting trickier with each passing day, as Microsoft introduces more checks. The latest in the series is Windows Defender blockingExplorerPatcher!
Upon closely monitoring the issue, it appears that Microsoft is blocking customization apps on the latest version of Windows 11. As a result, you will see anExplorerPatcherblock notification from Windows Defender. This has been going on sinceFebruary’24, as is evident from theGitHub forum post.
EvenStartAllBackusers are reporting similar problems!
We reported earlier thatExplorerPatchercould no longer get the Windows 10 taskbaron the latest iteration. Soon, thedevelopers dropped the functionalityin the newly released version.
In recent days, we have seen several reports of the issue. For many users, Windows Defender identifiesExplorerPatcherasHackTool:Win64/ExplorerPatcher!MTB. A few were unable to update orinstall Windows 11ifExplorerPatcherwas installed on the PC because it caused security or performance issues.
Some reports suggest that changing the name of theExplorerPatcherexecutable file(.exe)would allow you to run the application without Windows Defender blocking it. But that might trigger other issues.
So, whitelisting the app is a viable option for now!
How do I unblock ExplorerPatcher in Windows Defender?
From now on, Windows Defender won’t blockExplorerPatcher, but you might still face issues while upgrading the OS if the app is installed.
Thelatest version ofExplorerPatcherreportedly fixes the issue, so you might consider installing it. But we can’t say with certainty that it won’t trigger problems in future Windows builds, the wayExplorerPatchercaused a transparent taskbar in KB5035853.
In my opinion, the best option is to switch to anotherreliable Windows customization softwareuntil theExplorerPatcherdevelopers figure out a fix!
What problems did you face withExplorerPatcher? Share with us in the comments section.
More about the topics:Explorerpatch
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim has always been fond of technology, be it scrolling through the settings on his iPhone, Android device, or Windows PC. He’s specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
Long-time Windows user, Kazim is ready to provide a solution for your every software & hardware error on Windows 11, Windows 10 and any previous iteration. He’s also one of our experts in Networking & Security.
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Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim is specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
