Microsoft has confirmed the rollout of an enhanced File Explorer for Windows 11, eliminating the need for users to join the Insider Program to access the improvements. This update is part of the June 2026 optional update (KB5095093 / Build 26200.8737) and will be included in the cumulative update scheduled for July 2026.
While KB5095093 may not initially appear to be a significant release due to its lack of flashy features, it introduces some noteworthy enhancements, particularly in the realm of File Explorer performance. Notably, Microsoft has achieved a faster File Explorer experience without relying on preloading, a feature that is still in testing. This means that users can expect a more responsive File Explorer right away.
Historically, many of File Explorer’s performance issues have been linked to the “Home” tab, which tends to be cluttered and slower than the traditional “This PC” tab. With the latest update, Microsoft has made adjustments to the Home tab, streamlining its functionality and improving overall speed. The release notes highlight that the update enhances the speed and performance of launching File Explorer, although it is being rolled out gradually.
In addition to the overall performance boost, users will notice improvements in the address bar, which is now more reliable and provides suggestions more quickly. The update also addresses previous issues where File Explorer would become unresponsive when mounting disk images, enhancing responsiveness during this process. Furthermore, several refinements have been made to the file and folder renaming experience:
- Resolved an issue where text would be incorrectly selected during renaming in folder views.
- Fixed a bug that prevented case-only name changes from being reflected in folder views.
Another notable enhancement allows users to navigate between different folders using double backslashes and quotation marks in the address bar, further improving usability.
Microsoft also plans to make the right-click menu in File Explorer faster and configurable
Beyond the current updates, Microsoft is preparing another significant enhancement aimed at speeding up the right-click (context) menus. This update focuses on extensions such as Edit with Paint.NET, Edit with Notepad, and Edit with Clipchamp, which have been known to take a few seconds to load. Users may find this delay inconvenient, especially when it causes cursor misclicks due to shifting menu items.
To address this, Microsoft is testing a faster context menu that loads all items simultaneously. Additionally, users will have the option to customize the context menu to display only essential items, allowing for a more tailored experience when right-clicking in Windows 11.
As for the much-discussed preloading feature, Microsoft has confirmed that it remains in the pipeline, with plans for its introduction in upcoming production builds. However, it’s important to note that even with preloading, File Explorer may not reach the speed levels seen in Windows 10.
As the updates continue to roll out, users are encouraged to share their thoughts on what additional improvements they would like to see in File Explorer.
