In a recent turn of events, users of Windows 10 are reporting issues with the Start Menu jump lists following the April Patch Tuesday security update, identified as KB5018. This update has sparked frustration among users who rely on this feature for quick access to their recently opened files and applications. In this article, we will explore the implications of this update, the nature of the problem, and potential workarounds until Microsoft addresses the issue.
Jump lists are a convenient feature that allows users to right-click on an application in the taskbar or Start Menu and view a list of recently opened files and tasks associated with that app. For instance, if you’ve been downloading apps from the Microsoft Store or viewing images in the Photos app, you could quickly access these items through the jump list. However, many users have recently discovered that this functionality has vanished for certain applications after installing the latest update.
The Problem with Jump Lists
After the installation of the KB5018 update, users have noticed that right-clicking on apps like the Microsoft Store and Photos no longer reveals their respective jump lists. Instead, the options provided are limited to “resize” and “more,” leaving users without the quick access they previously enjoyed.
This issue raises an important question: is this a significant problem? While some users may not notice the absence of jump lists, those who frequently utilize this feature are understandably frustrated. The removal of jump lists means that accessing recently used files now requires additional clicks, which can hinder productivity.
User Reactions
The reaction from the Windows community has been swift and vocal. Many users have taken to forums and social media platforms, particularly Reddit, to express their dissatisfaction with this change. Complaints range from mild annoyance to outright anger, as the jump lists were a valuable feature for many users who relied on them for efficiency.
Workarounds for Affected Users
If you find yourself affected by this jump list issue, there are a few workarounds you can try until Microsoft releases a fix:
- Right-click from Windows Search: Instead of accessing the jump list from the Start Menu, you can right-click on the application directly from the Windows search bar. This may still provide the jump list functionality.
- Pin Applications to Taskbar: Pinning the applications you frequently use to the taskbar can serve as a temporary solution, allowing you to access them more easily.
While these workarounds may alleviate some of the inconvenience, many users feel that reverting to the previous version of Windows 10 by uninstalling the April update is too extreme, especially considering the security enhancements included in the update.
Is Microsoft Sabotaging Windows 10?
This situation has led to speculation about whether Microsoft is intentionally phasing out features in Windows 10 to encourage users to upgrade to Windows 11. A few days ago, I posted a video discussing similar concerns regarding the new Outlook for Windows and whether Microsoft is deliberately undermining classic Outlook. The removal of features like jump lists and the time display for seconds in the calendar flyout has left many users wondering if this trend will continue.
As I recently set up a new device with Windows 10, I noticed that the time display for seconds was still intact, suggesting that not all users are experiencing the same issues. However, the jump list problem seems to be widespread, indicating it may be a deliberate change rather than an isolated incident.
Community Feedback
I encourage you to share your thoughts in the comments section below. Do you believe Microsoft is sabotaging Windows 10? Have you experienced issues with jump lists or other features after recent updates? Your feedback is invaluable as we navigate these changes together.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the disappearance of jump lists in Windows 10 after the April 2025 update has left many users frustrated and questioning the future of the operating system. While workarounds exist, the core issue remains unresolved. As we await a response from Microsoft, it’s crucial to stay informed and engaged with the community. If any updates regarding the restoration of jump lists become available, I will keep you updated. Thank you for reading, and I look forward to your thoughts!
Credit: BrenTech on YouTube
