The recent perception that Windows File Explorer is increasingly cumbersome can be attributed to the accumulation of features that, while intended to enhance user experience, have inadvertently contributed to its instability. As Microsoft continues to integrate additional functionalities, the performance of File Explorer has suffered. Although a complete replacement of File Explorer is not feasible—given its integral role in the desktop interface—users can regain some performance by disabling certain “helper” features.
Disable OneDrive
It’s hogging a gigabyte of memory in the background
Upon installation, Windows automatically activates OneDrive, initiating a background sync of files to the Microsoft account associated with the login. While it may not consume excessive resources during idle periods, OneDrive’s memory usage can spike significantly—often exceeding a gigabyte—when it begins syncing or monitoring file changes. For users who do not utilize OneDrive’s sync capabilities, disabling it is advisable.
To disable OneDrive, right-click the cloud icon in the system tray (click the caret button if it’s not visible). Select the cog icon to access OneDrive settings, navigate to the Accounts tab, and click Unlink this PC under your username. After disconnecting, open Task Manager, go to the Startup apps tab, and disable OneDrive from auto-launching on the next boot.
Turn off Bitlocker
Most people don’t need it on a desktop PC
Another feature that can hinder performance is Bitlocker, which encrypts drives by default during the initial boot. This encryption occurs without user consent, often going unnoticed until hardware changes or BIOS updates trigger a lock. For most desktop users, particularly those not concerned about theft or loss, Bitlocker may not provide significant benefits and can slow down file operations.
To disable Bitlocker, navigate to Control Panel > System & Security > Bitlocker Encryption and select Turn Bitlocker off. However, if security is a concern, particularly regarding physical access to the device, maintaining encryption is prudent. In such cases, ensure you back up the Bitlocker recovery key.
Disable automatic folder type discovery
Fixes lag when opening folders
Windows File Explorer’s default behavior includes scanning directories to assign file types and optimize previews, a process that can lead to noticeable lag, especially in folders containing numerous files. Disabling this scanning feature can enhance performance and reduce navigation delays.
To implement this change, users will need to edit the Windows Registry. It is essential to proceed with caution, as incorrect modifications can disrupt system functionality. Always create a backup and set a system restore point prior to making any Registry changes. Open the Registry Editor by pressing Windows + R, typing regedit, and hitting Enter. Navigate to the following path:
HKEYCURRENTUSERSOFTWAREClassesLocal SettingsSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsShellBagsAllFoldersShell
Right-click the second Shell key, select New > String Value, and name the new key “FolderType” with the value “NotSpecified.” If the necessary path does not exist, create the required keys as described.
Turn off Windows Search indexing and use Everything instead
What if Windows search didn’t suck?
Windows Search continuously runs in the background to index files, consuming resources and often delivering lackluster performance. Users seeking a more efficient search experience may find solace in the free tool, Everything. This application requires minimal resources—less than 100MB of RAM—and provides instantaneous results as users type, free from the clutter of Microsoft services.
To disable Windows Search, open a Run box by pressing Ctrl + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter. Locate Windows Search, click Properties, and select Stop. Change the Startup type to Disable to prevent it from restarting on the next boot.
After disabling Windows Search, download Everything from the official Voidtools website. Install the application, and upon launching, it will quickly build a local database of files. Users will likely notice a significant improvement in speed and functionality compared to the default Windows Search. For added convenience, consider setting a keyboard shortcut for quick access or utilizing the “Everythingtoolbar” extension to seamlessly integrate it into the taskbar.
By implementing these adjustments, users may experience faster file and folder loading times, resulting in a more responsive computing environment. The transition to Everything as a search solution may prove particularly beneficial, making it a compelling alternative to Windows Search.
