Startup Boost Archives

Winsage

November 25, 2025

Windows 11 is going to start quietly preloading File Explorer in the background to make it faster, which is a good reminder that you should probably try a different file manager anyway

Microsoft released a Windows Insider beta update on November 21 that includes a full-screen Xbox experience for laptops and desktops and enhancements to File Explorer. The update aims to improve File Explorer launch performance by exploring preloading it in the background, with an option to disable this feature. Microsoft is also streamlining the File Explorer context menu by removing unnecessary options. Alternatives to File Explorer include the open-source solution Files, which offers features like tags for files, custom themes, a dual-pane view, and custom keyboard shortcuts, and OneCommander, which has unique functionalities such as creating text files from copied text. File Pilot is another alternative known for its lightweight performance. Users dissatisfied with File Explorer are increasingly seeking free and open-source software alternatives, with some considering a transition to Linux.

Winsage

November 24, 2025

Microsoft tests File Explorer preloading for faster performance

Microsoft is piloting a feature for Windows 11 that preloads File Explorer in the background to reduce launch times and improve user experience. Users can disable this feature by unchecking "Enable window preloading for faster launch times" in the Folder Options. The Windows Insider Program Team is seeking feedback on this development. This initiative follows the rollout of Startup Boost in May 2025, which enhances loading times for Office applications. Additionally, Microsoft is updating the File Explorer context menu to streamline user interactions by grouping similar tasks and repositioning commands for better accessibility. These enhancements are available to Windows Insiders in the Dev and Beta channels running Windows 11 25H2 with the 26220.7271 (KB5070307) preview build.

Winsage

July 8, 2025

Microsoft Edge is now faster than ever — again — with 40% quicker load speeds

Microsoft Edge has introduced a significantly improved user interface with a First Contentful Paint (FCP) time of under 300 milliseconds. Since February, load times have been reduced by an average of 40% across 13 features, including enhanced settings navigation, an AI-powered Read Aloud feature with multi-language support, a Split Screen function for seamless task transitions, and more responsive Workspaces. These improvements are attributed to the implementation of WebUI 2.0, which streamlines code bundles and reduces JavaScript for UI initialization. The Edge team also reported a 9% increase in speed as measured by Speedometer 3.0 earlier this year. Additional features like sleeping tabs and startup boost have been added to enhance performance, with plans for further improvements in Print Preview and Extensions.

Winsage

March 30, 2025

Microsoft Office apps will soon preload on Windows boot for faster launch

Microsoft has introduced a feature called Startup Boost for its Office applications on Windows, aimed at reducing launch times. This feature preloads essential components of apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint into memory upon Windows startup, keeping them in a paused state until needed. Startup Boost requires a minimum of 8GB of RAM and 5GB of free disk space to function effectively and will disable itself in Energy Saver mode. Users can disable Startup Boost through Office settings, but it will be automatically reactivated with the next Office update. The rollout is expected to begin in mid-May, starting with Word, followed by other Office apps.