About darn time: Microsoft says it has fixed the annoying lag in Windows Explorer when working with cloud-based files

Change often unfolds at a glacial pace, and for users grappling with the sluggish performance of Windows Explorer when managing OneDrive files, this has felt like an eternal struggle. However, a glimmer of hope has emerged with the recent beta update from Microsoft, which appears to address this long-standing issue.

Update Details

The update, identified as KB5052094, is currently available exclusively to those enrolled in the Review Release Channel of Windows 11, as reported by Windows Report. For those of us on the standard public release, the claims of improved performance remain untested. Yet, the anticipation is palpable, especially for anyone who has experienced the frustration of a context menu that lags when right-clicking on cloud files.

As a frequent user of OneDrive, I can attest to the mounting irritation that accompanies the interaction lag. While I understand that renaming a cloud-based file may not be as instantaneous as its local SSD counterpart, the delays can stretch into several seconds, a nuisance that disrupts workflow.

Personal Experience

Some may argue that the root of the problem lies with OneDrive itself, and I would not dispute that it may not be the premier cloud service available. Nevertheless, it serves a crucial role in my routine, particularly for game benchmarking across multiple PCs. By saving results files directly to OneDrive, I can conveniently access them on my main computer while other systems continue their tasks.

While opening files is generally smooth, the lag during context menu operations—such as copying, renaming, or cloning—can be exasperating. If this update indeed rectifies that issue, it will be a welcome relief. Yet, one cannot help but ponder why it has taken Microsoft so long to devise and implement a solution. Perhaps the company did not deem this bug a priority, especially considering the myriad of other pressing issues within Windows 11.

Possible Reasons for Delay

Alternatively, the solution might necessitate adjustments to Azure’s infrastructure, which could be financially burdensome. What seems like a minor fix from the user’s perspective may entail substantial modifications on the server side, complicating the timeline for resolution.

Ultimately, the hope is for a swift public rollout of this fix. Even a slight improvement in performance would significantly enhance the user experience. Until then, we remain vigilant, bracing for the next Windows 11 quirk that may disrupt our productivity.

Winsage
About darn time: Microsoft says it has fixed the annoying lag in Windows Explorer when working with cloud-based files