Microsoft has officially acknowledged the performance problems affecting File Explorer in Windows 11, one of the most important tools for users.
Microsoft Introduces File Explorer Preloading in Windows 11
To address these issues, Microsoft is testing a new optimization strategy designed to eliminate delays when opening File Explorer.
The company’s solution is to preload File Explorer in the background, keeping it ready for immediate use. This feature is currently being tested in Insider Preview Build 26220.7271 (KB5070307) in both the Dev and Beta channels. The goal is for the change to be seamless to users — the only difference should be a faster and smoother experience.
For users who prefer the classic behavior or experience issues with this new method, Microsoft has added an option to manually disable preloading. This can be done by going to Folder Options, under the View tab, and unchecking the box labeled “Enable window preloading for faster launch times.” Microsoft is also asking testers for feedback on this new feature.
Interface and Feature Improvements
Beyond improving speed, Microsoft is also updating the File Explorer’s look and functionality. The right-click menu has been redesigned to reduce visual clutter by grouping less-used commands while keeping the most common ones easy to find.
In addition, new features have been added, such as a floating “Manage File” menu that brings together actions like “Compress to ZIP file” and “Copy as path.” Cloud service options (like “Always keep on this device”) have been moved to their specific provider menus. Other essential commands, like “Open folder location,” have been reorganized for quicker and more intuitive access.
File Explorer remains one of the most used tools in Windows, so improving its performance is key to making everyday tasks faster and easier.
In other news, Windows 11 Snipping Tool has received an update that adds a visual search feature powered by Bing, offering capabilities similar to Google Lens.
