Microsoft is addressing a significant concern regarding the sluggish performance of File Explorer in Windows 11. Users have long reported that this essential application, which facilitates navigation through files and folders on their PCs, has been uncharacteristically slow to respond. The company is working on a fix for one particular bug that has been causing delays when closing the application. However, this is just one piece of a larger puzzle, as numerous users continue to voice their frustrations about various aspects of File Explorer’s performance.
Many users have taken to the Feedback Hub to express their dissatisfaction with the time it takes for File Explorer’s interface to fully load. Reports indicate that some individuals experience delays of up to ten seconds when opening a folder, which can be particularly exasperating. One user lamented, “Windows 11 File Explorer is the slowest since I started using Windows in the early ’90s. I was very excited to finally have a multi-tab Explorer, but it is so slow.” This sentiment resonates with many, especially those utilizing modern PCs equipped with ample memory and fast SSD storage, where such lag should not be expected.
Frustration is palpable across various online platforms, including Reddit, where users share their experiences after switching from other operating systems. One recent commenter, who transitioned from a MacBook Pro to a Windows 11 laptop, expressed disbelief at the sluggishness of File Explorer, stating, “I do not understand why it takes 5-10 times as long to open a folder, to search a folder, or to do quite literally anything.” Others have noted that File Explorer tends to crash frequently, particularly when working with tabs, and that the right-click context menu can take an unusually long time to appear.
Analysis: Critters in the works for far too long
While it is important to recognize that some performance issues may stem from specific Windows 11 configurations or aging hardware, the volume of feedback suggests that Microsoft has substantial work ahead to enhance File Explorer’s functionality. Given that File Explorer serves as a critical component of the Windows 11 user experience, it is essential for the application to perform reliably, especially for users who interact with it daily.
Despite being available for over three years, File Explorer still struggles with performance issues that have not yet been fully resolved. Recent updates, particularly the Windows 11 24H2 version, have reportedly exacerbated these problems for some users. As Microsoft pushes forward with its development efforts, it is crucial that the company prioritizes addressing these lingering performance-related bugs to ensure that File Explorer meets the expectations of its user base.
