Windows 11 is currently undergoing a transformation in its File Explorer, with a focus on enhancing search efficiency and reducing memory consumption during file searches. This initiative is part of Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to optimize user experience, particularly for those who frequently search for images and other files. The latest updates are being tested in Windows 11 Build 26220.7523 and newer versions, but access remains exclusive to Windows Insider participants for the time being.
The new search functionality aims to streamline the process by eliminating duplicate file indexing operations. This means that when users conduct searches, Windows will engage in less redundant processing, ultimately leading to faster search results and a decrease in system resource usage. Microsoft elaborated on this development in a recent blog post, stating, “Made some improvements to File Explorer search performance by eliminating duplicate file indexing operations, which should result in faster searches and reduced system resource usage during file operations.”
It’s important to note that the File Explorer Search does not operate on a standalone index or engine; rather, it is built upon the Windows Search Indexer. While this indexer is designed to be efficient, instances of duplicate indexing can occur, causing Windows to unnecessarily scan or process the same files multiple times. With the new updates, the Windows Search index will now avoid these redundant operations, leading to a reduction in disk I/O, lower CPU cycles, and fewer background indexing tasks, which collectively contribute to decreased RAM usage.
Context menu is being decluttered
In addition to search improvements, Microsoft is also addressing the clutter within the File Explorer context menu, which has drawn attention for its overwhelming number of options. Recent observations by Windows Latest indicate that Microsoft is relocating certain features, such as “Compress to,” “Copy as path,” “Rotate right,” “Rotate left,” and “Set as desktop background,” into a new sub-menu labeled “Manage file.”
On different machines, this sub-menu may appear as “Other actions,” suggesting a strategic move by Microsoft to consolidate less frequently used options into a single, more manageable location. These enhancements are currently in the testing phase and are anticipated to be rolled out to users by the end of January or in February.
