Microsoft Windows 11 update causes Recycle Bin naming glitch and disrupts invisible folder tricks

A recent security update for Windows (KB5094126) released in June introduced a cosmetic error in the Recycle Bin. When users permanently delete items, the file names appear as random codes such as "$Rxxxxx.png" instead of their original names. Microsoft confirmed the issue, noting that it does not affect the actual data and that the files can be restored with their correct names. The bug impacts Windows 11, Windows 10 and Windows Server installations, including corporate data‑center environments, and has been linked to other stability problems such as occasional blue‑screen errors and cloud‑storage access failures.

At the same time, Windows 11 24H2’s redesigned Explorer and Fluent Design system have broken long‑standing methods for creating “invisible” folders. The technique of using a hidden Unicode character in the folder name together with a transparent icon no longer works reliably; the new icon cache and automatic alignment often cause the folder to reappear or shift position. Users are advised to disable automatic icon arrangement or clear the Explorer cache, but there is no official fix from Microsoft yet.