A Windows 11 22H2 bug in IME may cause apps to become unresponsive

Microsoft has confirmed a new bug in Windows 11 2022 Update. When the user switches input modes using keyboard shortcuts, certain apps may hang. As a workaround, Microsoft suggests switching input modes using the icon in the tasbkar by clicking it. Alternatively, you can install the most recent optional update KB5020044 that contains a fix. But keep in mind that the patch is still in Preview.

Microsoft cites the following typical scenarios that can cause the issue.

Examples of actions that can cause this issue:

• ​For Japanese:
  • ​Using the Hankaku/Zenkaku (半角 / 全角) key on a Japanese keyboard
  • ​Using the default keyboard shortcut: holding down the Alt key and pressing ~ (tilde)
• ​For Chinese:
  • ​Using the default keyboard shortcut: holding down the Control key and pressing Space
• ​For Korean:
  • ​Using the default keyboard shortcut: pressing down the right Alt key

The bug is in the Text Services Framework (TSF) component. Luckily, only some specific apps use it. So the majority of software will work properly.

Microsoft points that the bug is already fixed in the KB5020044 patch. It is available as an optional update. Besides the new features and fixes listed in the official change log, it also includes a few hidden features slated for the upcoming "Moment 2" update. The latter will bring with it new capabilities to Windows 11 22H2 without changing its major version. In KB5020044, you will find two of those, Energy Recommendations in Settings and the search box in the taskbar. See how to enable them in a dedicated post here.

Again, if for some reason you cannot install a Preview update, avoid switching input mode with hotkeys in affected apps. Instead, click the language icon in the system tray area. You can use the hotkeys in all other apps.

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