Microsoft Introduces Faster File Explorer in Windows 11

Microsoft has quietly confirmed the rollout of a faster File Explorer on Windows 11, now available without requiring users to join the Insider Program. This enhancement is part of the June 2026 optional update (KB5095093 / Build 26200.8737) and will be incorporated into the July 2026 cumulative update.

At first glance, KB5095093 may not seem like a significant release due to the lack of high-profile features. However, it includes several noteworthy updates, particularly improvements to File Explorer's performance.

File Explorer Performance Improvements

According to Windows Latest, Microsoft has enhanced File Explorer’s launch speed without relying on preloading. Previously, preloading was tested to allow File Explorer to run in the background and open faster upon double-clicking its icon. While preloading accelerates launch times, some users criticized it as a workaround rather than a solution to the fundamental performance issues.

Microsoft has addressed this feedback by implementing direct improvements to File Explorer, which are now rolling out to users. These changes aim to optimize performance without relying solely on preloading mechanisms.

Key Updates in KB5095093

• Significant enhancements to File Explorer’s “Home” tab, which has been a source of performance bottlenecks due to its cluttered and slower nature compared to the “This PC” tab.
• Optimizations to ensure that the “Home” tab no longer impacts Explorer’s overall performance.
• Improvements to the address bar, making it more reliable and faster in displaying suggestions.
• Fixes for responsiveness issues when mounting disk images, ensuring File Explorer reacts promptly.
• Refinements in file or folder renaming, enhancing user experience.
• Support for navigating folders using double backslashes and quotation marks in the address bar.

Upcoming Enhancements: Faster and Customizable Context Menus

In addition to the current updates, Microsoft is preparing another major enhancement for File Explorer by improving the right-click context menus. This update aims to ensure that all items in the context menu load almost instantly.

Currently, extensions like “Edit with Paint.NET,” “Edit with Notepad,” or “Edit with Clipchamp” take longer to load compared to other items, which can disrupt the user experience by shifting the cursor position and causing misclicks.

The upcoming faster context menu will load all options simultaneously, and users will have the ability to configure the menu to show only essential items. This customization feature is designed to enhance usability and streamline interactions.

Modernization of Legacy Features

Microsoft is also modernizing older components of File Explorer, such as the Properties tab. The current Properties tab, based on the legacy Win32 API, lacks dark mode and fails to align with the modern File Explorer interface. A new version of the Properties tab, built with WinUI 3, is in development and has been spotted in preview builds.

Other planned improvements include a faster search bar capable of efficiently locating files as long as they are indexed.

The Role of Preloading in File Explorer

Despite the direct performance improvements, preloading remains part of Microsoft’s strategy for File Explorer. The company has confirmed that preloading is not being abandoned and will appear in production builds in the coming months. However, it’s important to note that even with preloading, File Explorer may not achieve the speed of its Windows 10 counterpart.

Conclusion

Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to enhance File Explorer in Windows 11 reflect a commitment to addressing user feedback and modernizing the platform. From performance optimizations to customizable menus and modernized legacy features, these updates aim to deliver a faster, more intuitive experience for users.

What additional improvements would you like to see in File Explorer? Let us know in the comments below.

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