Windows 11’s File Explorer has been a source of frustration for many users, particularly those utilizing low-end hardware. Even on a high-performance device like the HP Spectre equipped with 32GB of RAM, performance hiccups are not uncommon. Users frequently experience partial loading of File Explorer or sluggish responses when interacting with the close, minimize, or maximize buttons. Recent reports indicate that a bug within File Explorer is at the heart of these issues.
Microsoft Acknowledges Performance Concerns
With the rollout of Windows 11 Build 22635.4950 (KB5052078) in the Beta Channel, Microsoft has publicly acknowledged the performance challenges plaguing File Explorer. According to tests conducted by Windows Latest, while there have been slight improvements in functionality, the experience remains far from seamless.
The changelog for this preview update is extensive, and many users may overlook the specific mention of File Explorer’s performance issues. However, Windows Latest has highlighted a crucial note from Microsoft: “We’re working on a fix for an issue causing File Explorer to be very slow to close for some Insiders when closing using the X button. This may also impact the other title bar buttons.”
Despite these assurances, skepticism lingers regarding the actual speed of File Explorer in the latest build. While some users report minor enhancements, the consensus suggests that significant work is still needed to match the performance levels of Windows 10’s File Explorer.
User Feedback and Ongoing Issues
The Feedback Hub is filled with numerous posts detailing various issues related to File Explorer, particularly its sluggish opening times. Many users express dissatisfaction with the modern design elements, especially the top bar area, which seems to prolong the loading process on Windows 11.
- One user shared their experience: “It happens every single time an explorer window opens, even when it’s through another application, let’s say like opening a new file in Word. Through Word, it won’t show OneDrive initially, and the mouse cursor is the one that animates loading, but it’ll take equally long to finish loading the sidebar. This is making using my computer extremely frustrating. My specs are a Ryzen 9 6900HS and a Solidigm P44 Pro 2TB SSD.”
- Another 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. Opening new tabs or new Explorer windows does not speed up. I have to watch the navigation pane, then the ribbon, then the folders, and then finally, the tabs appear in slow motion. It doesn’t matter what the system specs are. It doesn’t change. The fastest it opens is about 2 seconds.”
Microsoft is actively investigating these concerns, including the delay experienced when users attempt to minimize, maximize, or close File Explorer windows. As the dialogue around these performance issues continues, many users are left wondering if they too are experiencing similar frustrations with File Explorer on Windows 11.
