If you’ve ever found yourself staring at the word “Calculating” while attempting to delete a folder packed with files or a hefty single file, you’re not alone. This long-standing issue has plagued Windows users for years, but Microsoft has taken a significant step towards resolution. With the release of the latest Windows 11 Insider Experimental Preview Build 26300.8935 on July 20, the File Explorer now boasts enhanced capabilities for deleting large, fragmented files more swiftly. However, it’s worth noting that Microsoft has indicated this improvement applies to “certain scenarios” only.
File Explorer now deletes large files faster
Back in June, Microsoft hinted that bulk deletions would see at least a 30% speed increase, accompanied by quicker launches and reduced flicker within File Explorer. The recent build marks the first instance where this promise is reflected in the changelog. According to the company, “File deletion in File Explorer is now faster in certain scenarios when deleting large, fragmented files.” Users will particularly notice this enhancement on drives nearing capacity, where fragmentation tends to occur.
Why large files were slow to delete in Windows
The sluggishness in deleting large files can be attributed to the way NTFS handles fragmentation. When ample free space exists on a drive, files can be written in contiguous blocks. However, as free space diminishes and becomes fragmented, larger files—such as virtual machine disks or databases—end up scattered across the drive in numerous smaller pieces. This fragmentation complicates deletion, as each fragment requires separate processing. While traditional hard drives face physical seek limitations, solid-state drives (SSDs) also experience delays due to the necessary bookkeeping involved in clearing each fragment from the drive’s records.
Although Microsoft has not disclosed the specific changes made to the deletion process, a more efficient method for handling fragment cleanup could explain the observed speed improvements without necessitating other alterations.
File Explorer Home also loads faster now
In addition to enhanced deletion speeds, Build 26300.8935 has improved the responsiveness of the Home tab in File Explorer. Following an earlier update in June aimed at boosting launch speed and address bar reliability, this latest build continues to refine the user experience. Users will likely notice a marked difference in speed, even on less powerful virtual machines, once the update reaches their devices.
The Recommended section on the Home tab, which displays recently accessed items, now also supports touch scrolling, adding a layer of functionality for touchscreen-enabled Windows 11 laptops. However, it remains to be seen whether File Explorer will achieve a truly touch-friendly interface akin to other applications within Windows 11.
These enhancements are currently available to Insiders in the Experimental channel, with a gradual rollout ensuring that not all users will experience the changes simultaneously.
File Explorer is getting much-needed improvements in 2026
Looking ahead, a dedicated overhaul of search functionality across This PC is on the horizon, leveraging the performance enhancements already implemented in Windows Search. Among the most anticipated updates is the modernization of the Properties dialog, which will transition from its Windows 95-era design to a contemporary WinUI version that supports dark mode, moving away from the legacy Win32 property sheet.
In recent months, Microsoft has acknowledged the sluggishness of File Explorer, admitting that preloading alone would not suffice to resolve the issue. Enhancements have included refreshed right-click options and improved readability of file sizes in Details view. Additionally, the company has addressed inconsistencies in scrolling, with smoother performance observed in the Gallery section, contrasting with the choppiness present in other areas of the app.
These improvements trace back to March, when Microsoft confirmed that File Explorer’s hybrid architecture—still reliant on Win32—was a contributing factor to its slower performance compared to Windows 10. The combination of faster file deletion, a more responsive Home tab, better search capabilities, and a revamped Properties dialog represents a concerted effort to enhance the overall functionality and user experience of File Explorer in Windows 11.
