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Microsoft confirms Windows 11's File Explorer is sluggish, and preloading isn't the only fix coming
Winsage
May 6, 2026

Microsoft confirms Windows 11’s File Explorer is sluggish, and preloading isn’t the only fix coming

Microsoft has increased its public relations efforts to highlight enhancements in Windows 11, announcing performance and reliability fixes following an update from Marcus Ash, the Windows Insider lead. Tali Roth, Microsoft’s Head of Product for Windows Shell, addressed user dissatisfaction with the preloading of File Explorer, which is seen as a resource-intensive solution that does not resolve underlying performance issues. Critics argue that while preloading improves initial launch times, it consumes an additional ~35MB of RAM and does not eliminate delays in folder navigation and other functions. In response to the criticism, Roth explained that Microsoft employs a multi-faceted strategy for improving File Explorer, which includes targeted optimizations to the launch sequence, removing unnecessary processes, and addressing deeper foundational issues. These improvements are being rolled out incrementally, with recent Insider builds showcasing enhancements like reduced visual glitches and a modernized Properties dialog.
Windows 11's new Run box is what happens when Microsoft actually cares: Replaces legacy Windows 95-era dialog with something new and better
Winsage
May 6, 2026

Windows 11’s new Run box is what happens when Microsoft actually cares: Replaces legacy Windows 95-era dialog with something new and better

Microsoft has introduced a redesigned Run dialog box for Windows 11, utilizing the modern UI framework WinUI 3. The new interface features improved speed, quick access to the home directory via the ~ command, and icons for frequently used programs. The browse button has been removed, a change that affects only 0.0038% of users based on data from a sample of 35 million. The new Run box is optional, allowing users to revert to the legacy interface if desired. This update is part of Microsoft's Windows K2 initiative aimed at enhancing performance and reliability for various users.
Microsoft's new Windows 11 Run dialog is faster than the Windows 95-era version it's replacing
Winsage
May 5, 2026

Microsoft’s new Windows 11 Run dialog is faster than the Windows 95-era version it’s replacing

Microsoft is developing a modernized version of the Run dialog for Windows 11, featuring a streamlined design created using C# and WinUI 3. The new Run dialog has a median "time-to-show" of 94 milliseconds, which is an improvement over the old dialog's 103 milliseconds. This new version is designed to be more functional and user-friendly, allowing users to quickly access their home directory and supporting dark mode. The modern Run dialog is currently being rolled out as an opt-in feature for Insiders in the Experimental Channel.
Windows 11's Windows 95-era File Explorer Properties dialog is getting replaced with modern version and dark mode
Winsage
May 4, 2026

Windows 11’s Windows 95-era File Explorer Properties dialog is getting replaced with modern version and dark mode

Microsoft is replacing the legacy File Explorer Properties dialog box in Windows 11 with a modern version powered by WinUI 3. This change aims to improve the performance and reliability of Windows 11. The current Properties dialog does not support dark mode, which has been an issue for users. Recent findings from Windows 11 Insider builds indicate that Microsoft is actively developing a new file properties dialog. Strings for “DeletedFileProperties” have been discovered, suggesting the old dialog will be replaced. Microsoft is also modernizing outdated Windows 8 UI elements within Windows 11. The introduction of the WinUI 3 properties dialog is expected to enhance File Explorer's performance by streamlining its hybrid codebase. Users can anticipate gradual updates throughout 2026, with a rollout to the Experimental channel expected later this year.
Microsoft tests modern Windows Run, says it's faster than legacy dialog
Winsage
May 2, 2026

Microsoft tests modern Windows Run, says it’s faster than legacy dialog

Microsoft has introduced a modernized Run dialog in the latest preview build of Windows 11, version 26300.8346. This updated Run dialog features a sleek design, dark mode support, and improved performance, achieving a median response time of 94 milliseconds compared to the legacy version's 103 milliseconds. The Browse button has been removed due to low usage statistics, with less than 0.0038% of users engaging with it. New functionalities include support for the ~ command for quick access to the home directory and the addition of icons in the command list. Users can enable or disable the modern Run feature through the Advanced Settings menu. The update also includes improvements to the Windows Share UI for Azure Active Directory users and enhancements to the Magnifier tool, which now offers zoom levels ranging from 5% to 400%. The Windows 11 Build 26300.8346 is available for download from the Experimental Channel.
I turned my $1,000 phone into a 1995 desktop computer with this quirky Android launcher
AppWizard
April 27, 2026

I turned my $1,000 phone into a 1995 desktop computer with this quirky Android launcher

Most Android launchers focus on functionality, with options like Microsoft Launcher for productivity and Senior Home for a decluttered interface. The author struggles with organization, preferring a chaotic arrangement of apps and files. They decided to transform their Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra into a Windows 95 homage, inspired by nostalgia for the operating system. The community on the r/windows95 subreddit celebrates this legacy. To achieve the transformation, the author used Launcher95, which offers a free and paid version. The app provides a home screen reminiscent of Windows 95, featuring a Start button, alphabetical app listing, and customization options. While initially a novelty, the author found useful features like quick links to webpages. Launcher95 may not suit everyone, especially those with many apps, but it offers a unique charm and can promote a simpler digital experience when used minimally.
This Windows‑95‑style game is pure nostalgia and weirdly addictive
Winsage
April 26, 2026

This Windows‑95‑style game is pure nostalgia and weirdly addictive

Factory 95 is a Windows 95 themed automation game that launched on April 22, 2026. Players act as factory managers, creating PowerPoint slide-shows for clients while navigating tools and resources within a retro operating system. The game features nostalgic elements, including a Clippy-inspired character named "Pinny" and challenges reminiscent of early computing, such as slow loading times and managing emails. The design evokes the graphical aesthetics of the 1990s, and players must strategically manage limited resources to fulfill client requests and generate revenue.
This retro Windows‑95‑style automation game hits every nostalgia button and might pull you into the genre for good
Winsage
April 26, 2026

This retro Windows‑95‑style automation game hits every nostalgia button and might pull you into the genre for good

Base-building automation games are gaining popularity, with Satisfactory receiving over 120,000 positive reviews on Steam. Factory 95, launched on April 22, 2026, features players as factory managers creating PowerPoint slide shows for clients within a Windows 95-like operating system. Players manage emails, optimize resources, and deploy tools to fulfill client requests. The game has a retro art style reminiscent of the 1990s, including a character named Pinny as a tutorial guide.
Linux and Windows 95 running side by side? This dev made it happen.
Winsage
April 25, 2026

Linux and Windows 95 running side by side? This dev made it happen.

Open-source developer "Hailey" has introduced the Windows 9x Subsystem for Linux (WSL9X), which allows users to run both Windows and Linux applications simultaneously on classic versions of Windows, including Windows 95, 98, and Me. WSL9X operates by running a modern Linux kernel (6.19) alongside the Windows 9x kernel, enabling features such as paging, memory protection, and pre-emptive scheduling. It is neither emulation nor virtualization and does not require hardware virtualization. WSL9X is available for download, but users must build it from the source provided by Hailey. It allows access to a genuine Linux terminal alongside classic Windows applications, enabling various tasks without compromising system stability.
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